In the story The Pearl the main theme is: ambition for wealth and property causes the destruction of man. The story was written from the perspective of the working or low class, which allows the readers the opportunity to reflect how materialism and its pursuit lead to the downfall of man. Steinbeck clearly illustrates this theme through the following characters: the doctor, the priest, and Kino the main character of the novella.

The priest in the novella is illustrated as a man of greed and false values. For example, "...it put a thoughtful look in his eyes and a memory of uncertain repairs necessary to the church...or marriage him for that matter." (P.301)

The priest says, "Thou art named after a great man-and a great Father of the Church...It is in the books." (P.305) The priest visits

Juan Thomas says, "But I am afraid for you. It is a new ground you are walking on, you do not know the way." (P.325) Kino has ignored the advice from the people who are most important to him, and by doing so, he has actually led his son to his own death.

"He is a client of mine...The doctor looked past his aged patient and saw himself sitting in a restaurant in Paris and a waiter was just opening a bottle of wine." (P.301) Under these conditions, greed in the doctor is definitely shown. With all the riches he already had, he wanted to gain more wealth. He looks past the need of the vulnerable for the sake of money. In any event, the main character of the story, Kino has the greatest impact upon this downfall. The pearl comes between Kino and his family. He is in fact aware of the dangers he is putting them through, and believes he will punished at the end. Ju

Some common words found in the essay are:
Father ChurchIt, P325 Kino, Bring Happiness, Juana Kino, Juan Thomas, pursuit material wealth, pearl evil, wealth bring happiness, material wealth bring, material wealth, main character, bring happiness, pursuit material, wealth bring,
Approximate Word count = 588
Approximate Pages = 2 (250 words per page double spaced)