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The Pearl By John Steinbeck

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A myriad of people grow up in the grasp of poverty. In the story, The Pearl by John Steinbeck, one such character is featured. Juana is a poor woman who is married to a lowly pearl fisherman, named Kino, and acts as the one who, while still supporting Kino, stands as a voice of logical thought. Throughout the book, a plethora of incidents happen which change Juana. George Eliot says, “The strongest principle of growth lies in human choice.” Juana made choices throughout the novella to adapt with her situation. Juana learns and grows because of her choice to stand up for herself and loved ones, her choice to follow Kino away from the village, and her choice to take risks to protect her family.
At the commencement of the story, Juana is a quiet and obedient wife who has a hint of iron in her. As the book progresses, Juana learns to stand up for herself and those she loves. John Steinbeck says, “ She [Juana] seized a stone from the fireplace and rushed outside (56).” Juana brings the stone to help Kino in his attack and to protect him. This is the one of the first signs Juana has changed in her willingness and readiness to defend other people. Originally, Juana would not have been confident enough to go and be prepared to attack a person. This is Juana learning she must make certain unsavory choices to help her family. Secondly, Steinbeck’s book says, “Her arm was up to throw [the pearl] when he leaped at her and caught her arm and wrenched the pearl from her

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