John Steinbeck, in his novel The Pearl, uses the element of symbolism to help the reader to better understand the theme. Symbolism is when an author uses a person, place, or thing to represent something deeper. Theme is the lesson or moral to be learned as a result of having read the text. Steinbeck used symbolism to help emphasize the novel’s theme.
For example, Steinbeck goes to great lengths in describing the doctor and the doctor’s home in chapter one. “In his chamber the doctor sat up in his high bed. He had on his dressing gown of red watered silk that had come from Paris...On his lap was a silver tray with a silver chocolate pot and a tiny cup of eggshell china.” The doctor is obviously of the upper class as described above and based on his residence in the “city of stone and plaster”, where the wealthy people of La Paz live. Moreover, Steinbeck continues in detail to describe the doctor, himself. “They knew his ignorance, his cruelty, his avarice [greed], his appetites, his sins.” He is also referenced to be fat and lazy. “They followed the procession...to see what the fat lazy doctor would do.” Based on this, one can infer that the doctor is greedy and really cares only for himself. When others in the town are struggling to make ends meet, he is enjoying lavishness and over-the-top comforts. The doctor symbolizes greed. As the text continues, the doctor demonstrates his greed in treating Coyotito. “When do you think you can pay this bill?” He has no real concern for the child’s well being nor for the family. He is only after the pearl. “He [Coyotito] is a client of mine” and “he thought of Paris.” Again, he is a solid representation of greed. This symbol of the doctor as greed helps to enhance the theme that all people are naturally greedy, willing to lie, cheat, and steal to get what they want. Had Steinbeck not gone into such detail to include the doctor as a symbol of greed, the reader would not understand the theme that all people are greedy. But, because the author does use this symbol of the doctor as greed, the reader can truly understand thistheme. Steinbeck used symbolism to help enhance the theme.
Another example of symbolism that enhances the theme is Kino. Initially, Kino was happy and content. “It was a morning like other mornings and yet perfect among mornings.” Kino valued his family and their health. However, after the discovery of The Pearl, Kino completely changes to the point that he is even willing to beat his wife. “He leaped at her and caught her arm and wrenched the pearl from her. He struck her in the face with a clenched fist and she fell among the boulders, and he kicked her in the side...his teeth were bared. He hissed at her like a snake.” Kino’s actions are a result of pure greed. Kino, himself, becomes a symbol of greed. Furthermore, “She knew there was murder in him.” Kino is even willing to murder if need be. “His strength and his movement and his speed were a machine. He whirled and struck the head of the seated man like a melon.” He is a pure example of greed, just like the doctor. The reader can get a true understanding of Kino’s greed as a result of the quotes above, which, in turn supports the theme that all humans are selfish and greedy. Had Steinbeck not used Kio as a symbol of greed, the reader would not get as solid of an understanding about the text’s theme. Steinbeck used Kino as a symbol of greed to help the reader to better understand the theme. As a result of Kino as a symbol of greed, the reader understands that all people are naturally greedy. Steinbeck’s use of symbolism helps to emphasize the theme.