Does John Steinbeck's,the Pearl, Symbolize the American Dream?

Many people consider the Pearl to be a parable about the American Dream. While reading the novella it appeared to be a classic story that followed the Parable of the Pearl in Matthew 13:45-46 in the bible. As we work and search for our dreams we are left wanting for the things that we do not have.

Throughout the tale of the pearl we are constantly reminded of the main character, Kino's, tribal background. Through the use f songs, Kino is aware of peace or trouble. The song of the Family is a song that Kino hears in times of happiness. It represents a feeling of peace and content. As the story progresses, the song of the family is heard less and less. The song of evil is a song that plays for Kino in a time of danger or trouble. It is a song of dissatisfaction that takes over as his greed and troubles grow.

The Pearl

Kino is a poor but honest fisherman who is searching for the "pearl of the World". With this pearl, Kino and his family will have all of the luxuries that they have dreamed about. When his infant, Coyotito, is bitten by a scorpion; his wife, Juana, prays not for the baby to get better, but for Kino to find the "pearl of the world" so that they can pay for a doctor. When Kino finds the pearl that he has searched for his entire life, their life takes a turn that they could never have expected.

Rather than to make them rich and happy, the pearl brings devastation into their lives. When Kino refuses to sell the pearl for less than he thinks it is worth, his greed takes over his senses. He is scared of people trying to steal the pearl and it becomes all that he can think about. He cannot sleep, lest someone breaks in. He becomes paranoid and a sense of distrust over empowers him. With these new riches, he is the target of thieves and the community alike. People try to steal the pearl and eventually burn his hut to the ground. During an fight with someone trying to steal the pearl, Kino accidentally kills his attacker. He is forced to flee with his son and wife from the community he has called home.

His wife has already realized that the pearl is an evil entity taking over their lives but Kino will not part with it. He considers the pearl his future and livelihood. They run from trackers and during their time in running, the baby is accidentally shot. They return home to the village with a dead baby slung to Juana. In a act of desperation to gain their life back, they throw the pearl back into the ocean.

The pearl may not have been unlucky but it did cause the problems within their lives and symbolized the lives that so many of us live today. As a society, we are filled with greed and a hunger for the American Dream. Will we ever have the 2.5 children and the picket fence? If we do, will we ever be content. Kino and Juan gave up a community, love, their home and their son for the pearl. The moral of this novella rings a strong tune. It not important to have what you want, but instead to want what you have. is a story of longing for the perfect life. Often, as a society, we are discontent with what we hold as valuable. While many people can find a place to be content, most people are searching and struggling toward their dream. What happens when that dream or goal is achieved? Can we ever be truly content?