John Steinbeck vividly expresses the philosophy of people becoming human only when they become consciuos of "man's place within creation." When Kino looks upon the dying ant "with the detachment of God" it reflects our own smallness juxtaposed with the whole of creation.
Kino sees looking for pearls as appealing to the greater powers that govern all.
He believes the priest when the priest says people must stay in their own places. However, Kino does not become fully human until he becomes cognizant of the evil of the pearl. The evil is not brought on by the pearl itself, but by man's greed corrupting what should be whole and pure. He could have been content with a small fortune, but allured by what COULD be, he lusts for more.
In The Pearl, Kino repeatedly states he is a man, and will not be cheated. His place is to capitalize on his situation. Ironically, the priest's prediction held true: Kino, pitting his strength against the insuperable and insane for he knows he cannot win.
Man's place is to pit his might against the indestructible mountains and boundless seas, a reminder of our arrogance and insanity. man is keen to get what he desires and slow to consider the costs. The pearl could have been good and perfect, but the corruption of all turned induced the loss of all. The place of man is to walk against the stream of life, edging your way to higher ground; but leap, and the current will wash you away. Ultimately, Kino gained his humanity, throwing the perverted pearl into the sea and longing for the simplicity of his lost life, yet still tantalized by the soft, implacable, and wholly human whisper of the Song of What Could Be and regret of the Song of What Could Have Been. (Ben C.)
I don't have anything to say on this subject. However, I thought Ben should get the kudos he deserves. He did really well.
ReplyDeleteSarah, You are funny. I hope that Ben gets to read your encouraging words. Ben tackled one of the harder questions. Mrs. Johnson
ReplyDelete