The Pearl Diver by Jeff Talarigo

In The Pearl, by Jeff Talarigo, evil transforms certain citizens into greedy and envious vultures. Jeff Talarigo, a noble prize winning author, wrote a parable about how the pearl of the world changed a peaceful and happy family into a tragedy. The Pearl takes place off the Gulf of California in La Paz, Mexico where the main character, Kino a young Mexican-Indian pearl diver undergoes various changes. Steinbeck has a love for marine biology. This is why there is a lot of ocean imagery in The Pearl. Kino's pearl is a universal symbol of disastrous things that happen to Kino and his wife Juana.

        Kino is an honest, honorable pearl diver who works hard to support his family. He is a simple man and lives in the traditional ways of his village. Kino is aware of his poverty and knows that money could buy things he lacks. He hopes to find a pearl that will guarantee him a safe. Kino is devoted to his family and when he is around them the song of the family plays in his head. This song represents his love for his wife and son. Kino is first encountered with a disaster when a poisonous scorpion bit his son, Coyotito. He does not have enough money to pay a doctor to make his son well again. The doctor is not very kind towards Kino and the others who live in his village. Since Coyotito cannot be treated for his illness this motivates Kino to try, even harder then usual, to find the pearl of the world. Kino discovers a great pearl and it changes his life forever.

        Juana is the loving mother of Coyotito and the wife of Kino. She obeys her husband in most cases, but when she realizes that the ...