1. The Pearl by John Steinbeck
A novella based on an old Mexican folktale

2. Introduction What makes this story a parable?
"In the town they tell the story of the great pearl -- how it was found and how it was lost again. They tell of Kino the fisherman, and of his wife Juana, and of the baby, Coyotito. And because the story has been told so often, it has taken root in every man's mind. And, as with all retold tales that are in people's hearts, there are only good and bad things and black and white things and no in-between anywhere. If this story is a parable, perhaps everyone takes his own meaning from it and reads his own life into it.” So writes John Steinbeck in The Pearl. As you read the novella, think about Steinbeck’s introduction. What meaning do you take from this story?
What makes this story a parable?
What is Steinbeck’s message?
What does this story mean to me?

3. (Research one of the following elements to build background knowledge)
BEFORE READING
(Research one of the following elements to build background knowledge)
This activity is structured to help you begin to interpret some of the elements and symbols in Steinbeck's retelling of an old Mexican folktale. You and a partner will be assigned one of the following:
TOPICS SYMBOLS
* Baja Peninsula * scorpion symbolism
* parables * ocean symbolism
* pearl * canoe symbolism
* Spanish colonization * village symbolism

4. SYMBOL A person, a place, an object or an action that stands for something beyond itself.
A dove is a bird, but might symbolize peace. A black crow circling overhead is a bird flying, but might symbolize danger to come. Symbols are everywhere in our daily lives; human beings require symbols for self-expression (in clothing, music, speech, politics…). Symbolism is universal. As in all parables, The Pearl offers much symbolism.

5. PROCESS 1. Research your topic or symbol using iPad.
2. Record facts you feel are relevant on a graphic organizer (topic) OR t-chart (symbol).
3. Review the information you recorded and offer some interpretations; in other words, what does this symbol stand for?
4. See the next slide for a sample organizer OR T-chart.

6. Topic SYMBOLISM Literal meanings Symbolic meanings Scorpion 1. 2.
characteristics
Ocean 1. 2.
Topic
Canoe 1. 2.
Village 1. 2.

7. Discuss Ideas!
Group with another pair who
share the same topic/symbol as
you to compare ideas. Predict how
this might fit into the story.
Illustrate your interpretation of the topic/symbol to display for your classmates.
- incorporate facts and
details into your illustration.
Bring these ideas to your reading of The Pearl.