In John Steinbeck's The Pearl, a destitute pearl diver finds a giant pearl with whichhe hopes to buy peace and happiness for his family. Instead, he learns that the valuable pearlcan not buy happiness but only destroy his simple life. Throughout the fable, there is aconstant theme woven through the characters and setting which encompasses the struggleamong social classes to become successful. Steinbeck, a novelist known for his realisticdepictions of life, portrays this motif through Kino, the doctor, Coyotito, and the town of LaPaz.John Earnst Steinbeck, author of The Pearl and many…
