The Pearl by John Steinbeck is a passionate condemnation of the effects of materialism and economic inequality on society.
The predominant social issue of the story is economic inequality and its devastating effects on the poor. Kino and Juana struggle to obtain medical care for their son, Coyotito, due to their poverty. Their hope that the pearl might pay for their son to become educated is a critique of the way society perpetuates poverty by...
The Pearl by John Steinbeck is a passionate condemnation of the effects of materialism and economic inequality on society.
The predominant social issue of the story is economic inequality and its devastating effects on the poor. Kino and Juana struggle to obtain medical care for their son, Coyotito, due to their poverty. Their hope that the pearl might pay for their son to become educated is a critique of the way society perpetuates poverty by depriving poor young people of access to the training and opportunities that would allow an escape from the cycle of poverty.
Next, the story criticizes capitalism and the way that rich cartels can deprive hardworking poor people of the fair economic rewards for their labor. Kino has done the difficult and dangerous work necessary to find the pearl, and yet the local buyers conspire to offer him a pittance so that they can derive all the benefits from his labor.
Next, the story is a critique of racism and imperialism, with the doctor and the capitalists being corrupt descendants of imperial rulers who continue to oppress and discriminate against those of indigenous heritage.
Finally, the story shows how wealth and materialism corrupt society and individuals.
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