In The Pearl, John Steinbeck Does Not Shy Away From Showing

1in The Pearl John Steinbeck Does Not Shy Away From Showing Readers

1. In The Pearl, John Steinbeck does not shy away from showing readers unattractive sides of many of the novella’s supporting characters. Kino and Juana are surrounded by an immoral doctor, a greedy priest, would-be thieves, and jealous neighbors. Do you think Steinbeck’s depiction of the ugly behavior of these characters rings true? Why or why not? What inspires these characters to behave in such unsavory ways? Can you think of any twenty-first-century situations that might inspire similar behavior in people? Explain the example you provide.

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John Steinbeck’s novella, The Pearl, offers a stark portrayal of human nature by vividly depicting the morally corrupt and often unsavory behaviors of its supporting characters. Steinbeck’s realistic depiction of these characters—ranging from the immoral doctor to the greedy priest—resonates strongly with readers because it reflects universal aspects of human nature and societal flaws. The authenticity of these portrayals contributes to the novella’s enduring relevance and its critique of social inequalities and moral decay.

Steinbeck’s depiction of the unappealing behavior of these characters rings true for several reasons. Firstly, he grounds his characters in social and economic realities that fuel greed, prejudice, and corruption. For instance, the doctor’s greed and moral neglect stem from a societal system that privileges wealth and status over human compassion. Similarly, the priest’s greed highlights how religious institutions can sometimes be corrupted by materialism. Each of these characters embodies facets of society that are often hidden beneath the surface but are nonetheless pervasive. Steinbeck’s realistic portrayal aims to expose these vices, emphasizing that such behaviors are not isolated but part of a broader social fabric.

The motivations behind these characters’ morally questionable actions are rooted in human nature and societal influences. The doctor’s exploitation of Kino’s desire to save his son reflects greed and a disregard for human life driven by economic gain. The priest’s greed and hypocrisy reveal the corrupting influence of materialism and societal status. These characters are driven by self-interest, fear, and societal pressures, which strip away their moral facades. Steinbeck suggests that such behaviors are easier to rationalize in environments where social inequality is stark and where survival instincts take precedence over moral considerations.

Examining twenty-first-century contexts, similar behaviors can be observed in various societal situations. For example, in contemporary healthcare, unethical practices by some medical professionals—such as overcharging patients or exploiting their trust for personal gain—mirror the doctor’s greed in The Pearl. Such behaviors often stem from systemic issues like profit-driven healthcare systems, which prioritize financial gain over patient well-being. Likewise, greed and corruption within political and corporate sectors continue to reflect the characters’ themes in Steinbeck’s work. The recent scandals involving corporate fraud or political misconduct demonstrate how societal structures can enable and encourage unethical behavior for personal or organizational gain.

Furthermore, societal disparities perpetuate prejudiced attitudes and discriminatory behaviors. For instance, racial profiling and economic inequality often lead individuals and institutions to act unjustly, motivated by stereotypes, prejudice, or self-interest. Such behaviors mirror the negative actions portrayed in The Pearl, where social hierarchy and economic deprivation breed deception, exploitation, and greed. These examples highlight that the themes Steinbeck explores—human vices fueled by social conditions—remain relevant today.

In conclusion, Steinbeck’s portrayal of morally flawed characters in The Pearl is both plausible and compelling because it reflects the persistent greed, prejudice, and corruption within society. Their behaviors are motivated by a mix of intrinsic human tendencies and external societal pressures, which can be observed even in twenty-first-century contexts. Steinbeck’s vivid characters serve as a mirror to contemporary issues, reminding readers of the ongoing struggle between moral integrity and societal influences that shape human actions.

References

• Steinbeck, J. (1947). The Pearl. New York: The Viking Press.
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