57 pages 1 hour read

John Steinbeck

The Pearl

Fiction | Novella | YA | Published in 1947

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.

Symbols & Motifs

The Pearl

Content Warning: “Animals” references gun violence against a child.

The pearl, also known as “the Pearl of the World” (27), is the object whose discovery drives the plot forward. As the narrator explains, although pearls are created more or less by accident in nature, they are considered objects of great beauty and value, even helping to fund wars and decorate churches in Europe. The pearl that Kino finds is particularly large and beautiful, leading him to interpret its discovery as a stroke of good luck or even divine favor.

As the narrative progresses, however, the pearl brings nothing but conflict and loss. The pearl’s symbolism is complex. While Kino is searching for the pearl, he hears the “Song of the Pearl That Might Be” (22); later, he explains all he hopes to accomplish with the money he expects to receive for it. Thus, the pearl initially represents his aspirations for a better life. His plans are repeatedly frustrated, however, as others conspire to take the pearl by force or trickery. As conflicts heighten, the pearl takes on more sinister meaning, its shining surface reflecting back the greed of the characters who compete to possess it.

Related Titles

By John Steinbeck

Study Guide

logo

Cannery Row

John Steinbeck

Cannery Row

John Steinbeck

Study Guide

logo

East of Eden

John Steinbeck

East of Eden

John Steinbeck

Plot Summary

logo

In Dubious Battle

John Steinbeck

In Dubious Battle

John Steinbeck

Study Guide

logo

Of Mice and Men

John Steinbeck

Of Mice and Men

John Steinbeck

Plot Summary

logo

Sweet Thursday

John Steinbeck

Sweet Thursday

John Steinbeck

STUDY + TEACHING GUIDE

logo

The Acts of King Arthur and His Noble Knights

John Steinbeck

The Acts of King Arthur and His Noble Knights

John Steinbeck

Study Guide

logo

The Grapes of Wrath

John Steinbeck

The Grapes of Wrath

John Steinbeck

Study Guide

logo

The Harvest Gypsies

John Steinbeck

The Harvest Gypsies: On the Road to the Grapes of Wrath

John Steinbeck

Plot Summary

logo

The Log From The Sea of Cortez

John Steinbeck

The Log From The Sea of Cortez

John Steinbeck

Plot Summary

logo

The Long Valley

John Steinbeck

The Long Valley

John Steinbeck

Study Guide

logo

The Moon Is Down

John Steinbeck

The Moon Is Down

John Steinbeck

Study Guide

logo

The Red Pony

John Steinbeck

The Red Pony

John Steinbeck

Study Guide

logo

The Wayward Bus

John Steinbeck

The Wayward Bus

John Steinbeck

Study Guide

logo

The Winter Of Our Discontent

John Steinbeck

The Winter Of Our Discontent

John Steinbeck

Plot Summary

logo

To a God Unknown

John Steinbeck

To a God Unknown

John Steinbeck

Plot Summary

logo

Tortilla Flat

John Steinbeck

Tortilla Flat

John Steinbeck

Study Guide

logo

Travels With Charley

John Steinbeck

Travels With Charley

John Steinbeck