Themes: Individual vs. Society
Kino and his community have lost their ability to function as a unified group. They only gather to witness events involving Kino. Before European colonization, they existed as a cohesive society, even creating songs—a practice they have since abandoned. The foundations of their society have been undermined by new religious institutions and, more significantly, by the new economic system. These institutions encourage the individuals to act independently, competing against each other for survival. Social and tribal sharing are discouraged at every opportunity. The narrative emphasizes this by highlighting the absence of friendly social interactions among the community members.
Conversely, the pearl buyers collaborate to benefit a single individual while maintaining control over the unsuspecting native population. Through this contrast, Steinbeck critiques the market system in line with his other literary works. He suggests that capitalism nurtures monopolies. Furthermore, Steinbeck reflects on his own theories about the phalanx. Before the war, he believed that voluntary cooperation was essential for a happy and peaceful life. However, the war taught him that people can easily be misled, bribed, or forced into serving a group when the alternative is to belong to an oppressed class. This latter group, represented by Kino, struggles to come together due to the fragmentation caused by their oppression.
Attempts were made to break the monopoly by sending individual men to the big city, but they never returned. They did not try to send a group of men who could protect themselves. Kino follows this solitary path and ultimately meets defeat. He should have brought his brother or another man with him in a canoe to the city. Instead, he traveled overland with his wife and child, facing dire consequences.
Expert Q&A
Does Kino choose his destiny or fate in The Pearl, and how does it affect his life?
Kino's life in "The Pearl" is governed by both fate and choice. Initially, as a marginalized indigenous person, Kino is subject to fate, lacking control over his circumstances. However, he actively chooses to keep the pearl despite warnings, hoping to change his destiny. This decision leads to tragedy, including his child's death, illustrating how his attempt to control his fate ultimately results in defeat, forcing him to relinquish the pearl and accept his fate.
Why did the doctor refuse to treat Coyotito in The Pearl?
The doctor refused to treat Coyotito due to his greed and prejudice. He viewed Kino and his family with disdain, considering them "little Indians" and equating their needs to those of animals. The doctor demanded payment, knowing Kino couldn't afford it, and rejected Kino's offer of valueless pearls. However, when he learned of Kino's discovery of a valuable pearl, he feigned concern to exploit Kino financially.
What happened when the Indians tried to market their pearls collectively in The Pearl?
When the Indians attempted to sell their pearls collectively, they hired agents to take the pearls to the capital, hoping for better prices. Both agents disappeared with the pearls, leading to significant losses. Consequently, the Indians returned to selling locally, despite being exploited by colluding pearl buyers. The priest reinforced this practice by claiming it was against religion to seek better deals, suggesting their losses were divine punishment for trying to alter their societal position.
In The Pearl, how does Kino respond to the local pearl dealers' low-ball offers?
When the local pearl dealers offer Kino low prices for his valuable pearl, he decides to take it to the capital himself, determined not to be cheated. Despite the dealers' attempts to devalue the pearl by calling it a mere curiosity, Kino insists on its worth and refuses to sell, motivated by pride and a desire to control his own destiny. His wife, however, fears the pearl brings more trouble than it's worth.
What is the King of Spain's involvement in Mexican oyster beds in The Pearl?
The King of Spain historically exploited Mexican oyster beds for pearls, enriching himself and strengthening Spain's power, while contributing nothing to the local inhabitants like Kino. This legacy of exploitation highlights the disparity between the wealth extracted by colonial powers and the poverty left behind. Kino derives some enjoyment from this legacy, as he continues to harvest pearls from the same beds that once enriched the King of Spain, emphasizing the enduring impact of colonial exploitation.
What is the effect of colonialism on Kino's people in The Pearl?
Colonialism severely oppresses Kino's people by relegating them to second-class citizens without access to rights and privileges enjoyed by European colonists. They live in poverty and lack education and medical services. Economically exploited, they are denied fair trade for their resources, as seen with Kino's pearl. Corrupt institutions, like the church and medical community, further oppress them. Ultimately, Kino's realization of these barriers leads him to flee his village.
What does Kino claim will make him free in The Pearl?
Kino claims that his family's freedom will come from his son Coyotito's education, funded by selling the pearl. Kino envisions Coyotito reading and writing, which will enable them to understand the world better and gain freedom. However, this dream is ultimately unfulfilled due to the greed and jealousy the pearl incites in others, leading Kino and Juana to return the pearl to the sea, finding a different kind of freedom.
In The Pearl, what differences exist between Kino's people and the town's stone-house inhabitants?
Kino's people are poor indigenous inhabitants whose ancestors lost political and economic power to Spanish colonialists. They live in primitive conditions, in stark contrast to the town's stone-house inhabitants, descendants of the colonialists, who enjoy wealth and power. This disparity is highlighted by Kino's desire to change his family's circumstances by selling a valuable pearl, only to face deceit and contempt from the town's doctor, reflecting historical inequalities.
How does the text show the Spanish Mexican inhabitants' lack of concern for the natives?
The text highlights the Spanish Mexican inhabitants' lack of concern for the natives through their exploitation and discrimination. The European doctor refuses to treat Coyotito, illustrating racial prejudice, and mocks the natives' needs. The priest and doctor exploit Kino after he finds a valuable pearl, while pearl dealers collude to undervalue it. Kino's boat is destroyed, and a search party is sent to capture him, demonstrating the systemic oppression faced by the native Mexicans.
What did each person think upon hearing about Kino's pearl in The Pearl?
In The Pearl, upon hearing that Kino has found the pearl, each person in town, from the priest and the doctor to the beggars, indulges in greedy fantasies about how he can profit from Kino's good fortune.
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