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The Pearl portrays humans as beings inherently greedy. Show the validity of this statement with reference to The Pearl.

      

The Pearl portrays humans as beings inherently greedy. Show the validity of this statement with reference to The Pearl.

  

Answers


Martin
Greed is evident throughout the text as exhibited from the actions of various characters in the text. Kino, a pearl fisherman finds superb pearl. News of this great discovery spread to admiration and greed for the pearl in equal measure.

Points to consider

The priest on hearing about the finding of the pearl starts to think of the need for church repairs. He wonders whether Kino and Juana have been properly married (in church) and whether Coyotito has been baptized. As a result, he makes a trip toKon’s village driven by greed to lay his,hand on the newly found fortune. His was an indirect approach.

After Kino finds the pearl, the doctor, who had a first refused to treat Coyotito, takes upon himself to deliver the medicine to ‘cure’Coyotito. He injects Coyotito with a drug to ensure he is sick so as to later ‘cure’ him. While in the homestead, his darting eyes are focused on Kino to get a clue on where the pearl might be hidden. This shows his greedy nature.

The pearl buyers had opened different offices in town with a sole aim of exploiting the pearl fishermen. They had collaborated with an aim of buying the pearl at the cheapest price and when Kino fails to fall for their trap they dismiss his pearl of being of poor quality. This portrays their greed.

The pearl exposes Kino’s family to so much danger. There are a number of attempts to end his life. Those responsible were driven by greed. they wanted to own the pearl due to its fortune. At the same time, Kino killed in self defense. His hut is burnt down and his boat is knocked. All this shows the greedy nature of the thieves who want to own the pearl.

Greed is also noted among the beggars who pinched camp outside the church. They also hope to benefit from pearl for they know there is no alms giver like a poor man who suddenly becomes rich. They believe that when Kino sells the pearl they will benefit.
The villagers followed every detail concerning Kino’s pearl through Kino’s brother Juan Toma. This shows some element of greed.

Conclusion

It is evident that greed for material wealth is inherent even in some cases where individual effort has not been raised.

marto answered the question on August 27, 2019 at 06:36


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