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Examples Of Greed In John Steinbeck

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The works of John Steinbeck have been used universally on scholarly account because of his ability to establish themes in his writing that are relevant to life. The Pearl, is one work that contains issues as ideas that are still significant to this day. One theme, such as greed, is displayed throughout the course of the novel. As each character develops, their intentions with the pearl become evident to the reader. This theme is seen through many of the characters who are eager to obtain the pearl. In The Pearl, the theme of greed is shown through the doctor’s intentions, Kino’s attitude, and Juana’s discontent of the pearl. The doctor, along with common people in the town, is very judgemental and only cares about what he will benefit from, long term. They only want to be there to help if later it will fulfill their wishes for with what they desire. “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.” (Steinbeck 23) The doctor is clearly only concerned for what he will be able to get out of Kino. As …show more content…

She watches him go through the motions and how the pearl corrupts his decision making abilities. “Kino this pearl is evil. Let us throw it before it destroys us. Let us crush it between two stones...Kino, it is evil, it’s evil!”(Steinbeck 56) The pearl is destroying each and every character’s livelihood. They want to destroy it before it destroys them. “It is the pearl.” said Juan Tomas, ‘There is a devil in the pearl.” (Steinbeck 64) The pearl has only brought harm and hardships i.e. “the devil” This is a parallel to how money in society can affect someone. “...It has ruined everyone I know” (Steinbeck/Morris 111) “It” is something that that has taken control of everyone. Greed and social status also come to play because it was something they had never had, something only

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