Book Review: The Pearl

In the novel The Pearl the main character, Kino, is described as being very simple, light-hearted, and devoted to his family. He is a loving husband to his wife Juana and his sonCoyotito, he is constantly looking out for the better of his village people and his family. The setting of this book takes place in a small village that is being controlled by Europeans. Along with his people Kino is very outraged with the way they are being treated and in attempts to do something about it he goes in search of a pearl. He does this out of the love for his family and village people.

He thought if he could find a great pearl he could sell it for money to support his family and villagepeople. In trying to acheive this goal Kino also comes off as selfish, even though he is doing this for his family he often seems greedy and self-centered. As a result of all the corruption within his village his village people become greedy also, by trying to steal Kino's pearl when he is safe at home sleeping. His house was even set on fire by village people who were upset with Kino's finding of the great pearl. It is very interesting to see how Kino's character quickly changed from being content with his surroundings to being scared for the life of his family. Not only does Kino put himself in danger, with all the violence that came with his discovery of the pearl, but he put everyone else in danger also.

Another aspect was that Kino was very close with nature and by the end of the novel it seemed as if nature had turned against him because of his selfishness. Kino's character can similarily be compared to people of today who are swept away by the bitterness of wealth. It seems as if back then things were the same as they are today, people reduce to violence to get what they want. Kino's character can be compared to many who believe in the "American Dream" of today. In the beginning of the novel Kino is a well rounded family and by the end of the book he is violent and completely consumed by greed and lust.