Pursuit Of Materail Wealth Does Not Bring Happiness Essay, Research Paper

THE PEARL ESSAY: Pursuit of Material Wealth Does Not Bring Happiness

In the story The Pearl the main theme is: ambition for wealth and property causes the destruction of man. The story was written from the perspective of the working or low class, which allows the readers the opportunity to reflect how materialism and its pursuit lead to the downfall of man. Steinbeck clearly illustrates this theme through the following characters: the doctor, the priest, and Kino the main character of the novella.

The priest in the novella is illustrated as a man of greed and false values. For example, ” it put a thoughtful look in his eyes and a memory of uncertain repairs necessary to the church or marriage him for that matter.” (P.301)

The priest says, “Thou art named after a great man-and a great Father of the Church It is in the books.” (P.305) The priest visits Kino’s home. He praises and honors him selfishly.

These negative characteristics were not only seen in the priest, but were equally shown in the doctor. The doctor represents the greed in society. He too, is a heartless and self-seeking man. He is a villain without any redeeming qualities or traits. As proof, the Doctor says, ” Have I nothing to do than cure insect bites for little Indians? I alone in the world am supposed to work for nothing-and I am tired of it. See if he has any money!” (P.294)

“He is a client of mine The doctor looked past his aged patient and saw himself sitting in a restaurant in Paris and a waiter was just opening a bottle of wine.” (P.301) Under these conditions, greed in the doctor is definitely shown. With all the riches he already had, he wanted to gain more wealth. He looks past the need of the vulnerable for the sake of money. In any event, the main character of the story, Kino has the greatest impact upon this downfall. The pearl comes between Kino and his family. He is in fact aware of the dangers he is putting them through, and believes he will punished at the end. Juana believes the pearl is evil. For instance, Juana says, “Kino, this pearl is evil. Let us destroy it before it destroys us.” (P.327)

Juan Thomas says, “But I am afraid for you. It is a new ground you are walking on, you do not know the way.” (P.325) Kino has ignored the advice from the people who are most important to him, and by doing so, he has actually led his son to his own death.

On the whole, the characters in The Pearl show different sectors in society that breaks down because of their obsession with acquiring wealth. The pearl is an illusion that fooled Kino. The appearance of it is deceiving to those who saw wealth and fortune. Kino is shown as the average man who presents moral breakdown of important values. The doctor illustrates big business. He takes advantage of the poor and vulnerable. And the Priest represents the institutions who is portrayed as the good, but in fact only want to acquire more wealth. In life, one works hard to achieve success, but once it is found it may result in unhappiness because important values are sacrificed. This novella definitely underlines for the readers that the pursuit of material wealth does not bring happiness.