Theme in The Pearl

What is Theme? Underlying central idea Generalization that can be made about life Themes ask important questions about human nature

Subject versus Theme Subject is a specific topic of the selection. The theme is the big idea that can be translated outside of the text A single work can have a subject and multiple themes

How do you identify a theme? Sometimes the theme may be clearly stated Usually, the theme is implied or suggested through other elements Some of these elements can include: characterization, setting, events, point of view, tone, imagery, etc. These details suggest the “big idea” the author wants the reader to gain

What themes can you think of in The Pearl? Greed Good versus Evil Fate versus Free Will Responsibility, Consequences for Actions Individual Choice versus Divine Intervention Class Division Oppression, Colonization

Question #1 Discuss the theme of greed in The Pearl. What statement does Steinbeck’s novel make on how greed impacts human nature and the mankind’s innocence? Cite specific examples and evidence from the novel to support your thesis.

Specific Examples of Greed Kino's desire to acquire wealth changes the beauty of the pearl from a symbol of hope into a symbol of human destruction Kino's greed leads him to act violently toward his wife Kino’s greed eventually leads to his son's death Also, Kino becomes detached from his culture Kino's people are falling victim to the love of profit represented by the colonists

Question #2 One important element of The Pearl is the contrast between fate and free will, between the destiny that is made for us and the destiny that we make ourselves. How do these forces interact in Kino’s story? To what extent is Kino responsible for his own demise? To what extent is fate responsible? Cite specific examples and evidence from the novel to support your thesis.

Specific Examples of Fate and Free Will The Pearl portrays a world in which humans often shape their own destinies Humans follow their own desires, make their own plans, and provide for themselves Outside forces include: chance, accident, and the gods The natural course of fate is represented by the sea Free will is represented by the man made village of La Paz The scorpion is a symbol of a dangerous fate for the characters

Question #3 Discuss the theme of class division in The Pearl. How does Steinbeck contrast Spanish colonial society with Mexican native culture? What is Steinbeck’s opinion of how European oppression has affected the innocence of native cultures? Cite specific examples and evidence from the novel to support your thesis.

Specific Examples of Class Division When Coyotito is bitten by a scorpion, the doctor refuses to help because Kino’s family doesn’t have enough money The doctor represents narrow-mindedness and the divide between upper and lower classes The doctor’s actions show that he believes himself to be above Kino’s family The European colonizers that govern the natives of La Paz trigger the destruction of the society's innocence and purity

When writing your essay… Even if you do not necessarily agree with the author’s point of view, you can still make a strong presentation of the theme in your essay Remember the difference between subject and theme Do your best to cite specific examples within the text to support your thesis statement