The Pearl Symbolism Essay

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In the book The Pearl, the symbolism of the pearl to Kino and the community, changes throughout the stages of the novel.

In the beginning, we see Kino, a very humble and grateful man. He dearly loves his son, Coyotito, and his wife, Juana. When their son is ill, they takes him to the doctor, who refuses them even when offered money. Juana prays to find a pearl to pay the doctor so they can treat Coyotito’s sickness.

When Kino finds the pearl, he feels immensely blessed and happy, for now he has thought to have the money he needs. He starts saying things like Coyotito will go to school, and Kino and his family will be rich and him and Juana will be married. He is very grateful and astonished by this. In addition, soon after the news goes around of him finding this valuable pearl, the doctor who had refused him before suddenly speaks highly of him and offers to heal the baby. Much alike the priest also acknowledges Kino all of the sudden now he is wealthy. …show more content…

The pearl has made him selfish and protective over it, assuring that fortune is sure to come to them. However, once he goes to sell the pearl, it is deemed valueless from what he had hoped. He insists the pearl is worth more, and leaves to sell the pearl elsewhere. Even when Juana tells him not to, Kino is too prideful to give up that the pearl is worth a

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