John Steinbeck published The Pearl in 1947. The novel tells the story of Kino, a young pearl diver in Mexico, who discovers a massive pearl that he believes will improve his poor family's life. However, instead of bringing wealth, the pearl brings violence and tragedy as others try to steal it. The setting is the coastal town of La Paz in early 20th century Mexico, which was then under Spanish colonial rule and had significant social divisions. The main characters are Kino, Juana his wife, and their infant son Coyotito.

1. The Pearl by Mrs. Cadogan A Presentation of

3. Plot Summary The book tells the story of Kino, a young and impoverished pearl diver, who finds the ‘Pearl of the World’. Instead of bringing Kino and his family everything that their hearts desire, the pearl brings only violence, tragedy, and death.

4. Setting The setting of the Pearl is the in and around LaPaz, Mexico. LaPaz is coastal town on the Baja Peninsula. The Pearl takes place in the early 20th century, a time when colonial Mexico was dominated by Spain and significant social, economic and racial divisions.

5. Characters Kino, the protagonist – a young Mexican pearl diver. Kino takes responsibility as the provider for his family. When he finds the pearl, he dreams of how it can help them escape poverty. Juana, his dutiful wife. Juana’s prayers for good fortune are answered, but then she becomes convinced that the pearl is an agent of evil.

6. Additional Characters Coyotito, their infant son whose good health cannot be bought The Doctor, represents the racism of colonial governments. He views Kino and his family as little more than animals. The Priest, like the doctor, he has no time for poor villagers who cannot pay for his services.