English 10 Literature Lesson #32 Mr. Rinka The Pearl A Final Look

Themes Destructive Force of Greed The Role of Fate on Human Life Colonial Society’s Oppression of Native Cultures

Destructive Force of Greed For it is said that humans are never satisfied, that you give them one thing and they want something more. And this is said in disparagement, whereas it is one of the greatest talents the species has and one that has made it superior to animals that are satisfied with what they have.

Destructive Force of Greed What is enough?

What would have happened if Kino settled for $1500 pesos? What would have happened if he sold the pearl for $50,000 pesos? What would have happened if Kino never found the Pearl?

What would have happened if Kino settled for $1500 pesos? Food shelter and clothing needs would be taken care of. He would have a modest sense of security. There would be less stress within the family.

What would have happened if Kino settled for $1500 pesos? His position in community would have been enhanced. His life would have been better but not overwhelmingly different.

What would have happened if Kino settled for $1500 pesos? On the other hand He would know he had been cheated. Others in his community might have seen him as a fool.

What would have happened if Kino settled for $1500 pesos? The 1500 pesos would only last for so long. It was not enough to make a great change in his life. The old order of exploitation would have been reinforced.

What would have happened if he sold the pearl for $50,000 pesos? All of his dreams could possible come true. His stature in the community would have risen tremendously. He would have broken the old way of exploitation.

What would have happened if he sold the pearl for $50,000 pesos? On the other hand Kino was not prepared to handle such a great amount of money. People using different means would have been after his money.

What would have happened if he sold the pearl for $50,000 pesos? He would possible be isolated from his community. He would lose connection with his old way of life and all its values and traditions.

What would have happened if Kino never found the Pearl? Coyotito would still be alive! Kino and family would have continued to live in their traditional way. The exploitation by the colonials would have continued.

So, What’s the Point? Because of its ending, Steinbeck’s purpose is clearly not to present a solution. Steinbeck is illustrating a significant social injustice, its causes and effects.

So, What’s the Point? Even though he does not indicate a solution to this injustice, he clearly shows us that joining the cause of the problem will not solve anything. There must be an alternative to dealing with Greed and Oppression.

Pearl as Symbol Materialism = It has purchasing power False Hope = Dreams, not reality, are attached to its power. Fate = It was not earned but acquired by chance.

Pearl as Symbol Paradox = It can offer possible material good, but it can bring out the evil in human nature.

Rifle as Symbol Power = The rifle gives anyone who possesses it killing power. Masculinity = Men seem to be attracted to this power. Anti-nature = The rifle creates an imbalance in the predator-prey relationship.

Rifle as Symbol Man’s dark side = Though it can be used for self-defense or hunting, the rifle has done more harm than good. European influence = The rifle was introduced to Kino’s people by the colonizers.

The Role of Fate on Human Life Domino Effect The ultimate representation of cause and effect. Possible illustration of fate. Once the first domino falls all the rest must fall. watch?v=4CyomAmNGJU

The Role of Fate on Human Life Domino Effect The following sequence of events illustrate the domino effect. The breaks indicate times the course could have been changed. As events unfold, each decision becomes harder to make to change the course of events.

Domino Effect in The Pearl Coyotito is bitten by scorpion Juana sucks the venom out Juana decides he must see doctor. Doctor won’t see him. Kino needs money. Juana prays for a pearl. Kino finds the “pearl of the world.”

Domino Effect in The Pearl Doctor tricks Kino and family. Intruder tries to steal the pearl. Juana wants to throw it away. Kino and Juana go to sell pearl. Buyers try to cheat Kino. Buyer offers 1500 pesos

Domino Effect in The Pearl Kino will not take buyers offer. Kino decides to sell pearl in the city. Juana tries to throw pearl away. Kino hits her. Kino kills intruder. Kino’s house burns. Kino hides at brother’s.

Domino Effect in The Pearl Kino and family sneak off to the city. Trackers are after Kino. Kino lures trackers into mountains Kino advises Juana to go on alone. Kino and family hide above pool. Kino creates a plan. Kino sneaks down behind trackers.

Domino Effect in The Pearl Coyotito is shot. Kino kills three trackers. Kino and Juana return. Kino throws pearl into the sea.

Colonial Society’s Oppression of Native Cultures The Role of the Doctor? The Role of the Pearl Buyers? The Role of the Priest? The Role of the Trackers?

Colonial Society’s Oppression of Native Cultures The Role of the Doctor? A person brought by the colonizers who can enhance one’s quality of life with his special skills, but one who is also in a position of power and able to exploit others and chooses to do so.

Colonial Society’s Oppression of Native Cultures The Role of the Pearl Buyers? The exploitative aspects of European capitalism that encourages greed and inspires those in a position to do so to cheat and take advantage of others.

Colonial Society’s Oppression of Native Cultures The Role of the Priest? A European influence on native traditions and beliefs that offers some help to the natives, but one that can disrupt the traditions and heritage of a culture.

Colonial Society’s Oppression of Native Cultures The Role of the Trackers? The trackers represent the extent to which greedy people will go to get something. They also reflect the feelings by Europeans that the natives were less human than they.

What Happens? #1 An excellent writing assignment would be to speculate as to what happens to Kino and Juana. Are they arrested? Do they rebuild their lives? Where? Are they helped? By whom?

What Happens? Do they stay together? How different is their relationship? Do they have more children? Does Kino continue to dive? Do they ever acquire any peace? What are their dreams now?

Additional Writing Assignments #2 As Kino turns to Juana after throwing the pearl into the sea, what does he say? Create the dialogue you think takes place between these two at this time.

Additional Writing Assignments #3 Years later, a father is telling his children the story of Kino and the pearl. As he finishes the story, he explains the lesson to his children. Write what you think he tells his children the lesson is.

Additional Writing Assignments #4 Let’s say that you have acquired an excessive amount of money by good fortune. What would you do with the money?

Additional Writing Assignments #5 What is enough? Write an essay as to what you think represents enough wealth to live a happy life?

English 10 Literature Lesson #32 Mr. Rinka The Pearl A Final Look