The Pearl
by John Steinbeck
An Introduction
Prepared by Mrs. Tai & Ms. Ku, 2010

Based on the title of the book, what
foreshadowing can we do about the
themes (concepts) the book will talk
about?
John Steinbeck
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John Steinbeck (1902-1968)
American
novelist, story writer, playwright, and essayist
Received Nobel Prize for Literature in 1962
Father was a bookkeeper and accountant; mother was a
teacher
Worked as a laboratory assistant and farm laborer to support
himself while at Stanford University
His stories were popular chiefly for their social consciousness
and concern and for the narrative qualities displayed in the
novels
Passed away on December 20, 1968, in NYC
Works include: Of Mice and Men, The Grapes of Wrath, East
of Eden, In Dubious Battle, and Travels with Charley
http://www.kirjasto.sci.fi/johnstei.htm
http://www.notablebiographies.com/Sc-St/Steinbeck-John.html
Setting of the Story
La Paz, Mexico - a coastal town marked by economic, social,
and racial divisions resulting from colonial domination of the
local native population.
Beginning of the 20th century.
http://www.mexadventure.com/graphics/La-Paz-Map.gif
http://www.enotes.com/pearl-qn/setting
http://www.maps-of-mexico.com/
Story Outline
Main
characters: Kino, Juana, and Coyotito
Kino, a pearl diver, lives a simple life in a village
Family belongs to the lower-class in society
Coyotito is stung by a scorpion
Kino seeks doctor’s help but is refused due to
poverty
Kino finds a big pearl - symbol of hope,
promise, and wealth
Greed contaminates and threatens his simple
way of life
Story ends with…
Themes

The struggle for survival
Oppression and social class (especially in
reference to colonialism)


Corruption by material wealth
Pre-Reading Discussion
1.
2.
3.
How might wealth and greed affect the
behavior of human beings?
What do you think might be the positive
or negative effects of colonialism?
Based on your own experiences and
literature that you have read, do you
think the course of people’s lives is the
result of fate or human action?
Sample Covers
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I need two parents sitting at each
table grouping

With the parents in English, I need you to discuss the following issue:

We know that material greed may be a factor in The pearl. But the
questions I want to ask you are this:

What two items best symbolizes the concept of family?


EX: For Mr. D the most important symbol in his life would be headphones,
because they remind him of when he performed music in New York City,
and his family supported his dream.
Please discuss with the parents at your grouping and compile into a list
stating why for each item.