Reflections of The Pearl

It was thought that the magnificent pearl would bring Kino and Juana great prosperity; a new home, clothes, education for their son, and a proper marriage. However, the editor of the book outlines a paradox that makes that assumption unrealistic: evil comes out of good.


The discovery of the pearl was crucial to the survival of Kino and Juana's son, Coyotito, after he was stung by a scorpion and needed medication. And eureka, a pearl like no other was discovered, and it was rumored to be worth unimaginable riches. A find that was undoubtedly good; however soon the reality of the earth swept in and brought forth evil.

 Many tried to steal the pearl, Kino and Juana watched their house burn before them and their canoe be broken, Kino was forced to kill a man and their son Coyotito was murdered in direct result of the pearl. Something that was seemingly beautiful brought not brightness but darkness to their world, and the evil that Juana sensed from the beginning emerged from the pearl.

When Kino and Juana return to the village, Kino peers into the pearl and sees all the evil that had been brought to him because of it. He had once described it as "the great pearl, perfect as the moon" (pg 30), but he now said "The pearl was ugly; it was gray, like a malignant growth" (pg 121).

When a character acts selflessly against the prevailing vice(s) of the dominant social order, true virtue exhibits itself.

Prevailing vices of the dominant social order:

• Poverty and discrimination that was among Kino's people
• The scorpion that attacked Coyotito
• Selfishness and jealousy of the townspeople, the doctor, and the pearl buyers
• The loss of much because of the pearl (home, canoe)

Virtues exhibited:

• Kino's loyalty to his family and Juana's loyalty to her husband, even though he made decisions she did not agree with.
• Kino's determination to achieve success and settle for nothing but what he deserved for the pearl.
• A sense of family above all else 

Throughout the novel, we watch Kino's family struggle and suffer because of the pearl, and yet he is completely selflessly driven to ensure that Coyotito will have a bright future. As a result, we see loyalty, determination and a family priority emerge and drive the characters through the troubles they encounter.