In John Steinbeck's novel The Pearl, Kino, the main character, went through a series of complicated changes due to money. He was greatly affected by the hunger for wealth and overall his life is destroyed because of lust and greed. This destruction is symbolized through the many forms that Kino portrays. At first a simple 'rabbit-like' persona takes shape. When the greed spreads through society he becomes what readers see as a small mouse being circled by fierce predators in the sky. The final form of Kino is that of a wild dog. He seems to go to any length to protect his 'territory' from intruders.
Readers can compare the introduction of Kino to a rabbit. Like Kino, a rabbit seems peaceful, simply hopping about on a spring-like day with no worries at all. A kind and gentle creature with respect towards all walks of life. At the beginning Kino is seen as a loving father and husband. He has a mental connection with his wife, that shows his love and devotion to her. Also a timid dog befriends him w
Kino transformed into a threatened mouse-like figure once the safety of his picture-perfect life was disturbed. After Coyotito is stung by the scorpion, the security of life as it had been before is gone. The 'Song of the Family' is interrupted. Steinbeck foreshadows the change in the main character when Kino smashes his fist on the doctor's gate, after the doctor's refusal to treat Coyotito. This event shows that Kino turns to violence and anger when confronted with a problem, yet when he does so he hurts only himself. At first the purpose of his great 'pearl of the world' is to cure his son. Then greedy thoughts pass through his mind. And things take a downturn. He begins to think of greater things like weddings, education, money, and rifles. Symbolized by a black top hat in his wedding dream, Kino is consumed by negative thoughts. Before he can regain control of himself Kino evolves into another self-absorbed creature of society. Even the townspeople have bigger plans for the pearl placing Kino in the middle of a circle
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