The novel that I have studied is 'The Pearl' written by John Steinbeck. The moral values that I have learned after reading the novel are we should not be greedy, we should not oppress and discriminate the poor, and we should love our family.
In the novel, the author depicts the greed of others towards Kino when he found the mother of all pearls. Everyone in the village become envious of Kino as the pearl is now a part of every man's hope and dreams for the future. For instance, the materialistic doctor agrees to treat Kino's son, Coyotito only after he knows that Kino has discovered the 'Pearl of the World' (page 11). Before kino stumbles upon his good fortune, the doctor refuses to treat Coyotito as Kino can only pay him 'eight small misshapen seed pearls.' (page 35). It shows here that the doctor does not have a compassionate heart and only gives treatment to those who could reward him. Besides that, the merciless attackers and trackers also serve in the novel as villainous characters who are willing to kill Kino and his family in order to get their hands on the precious pearl. Kino himself also succumbs to greed when he refuses to give up the pearl. Juana, Kino's wife told Kino to get rid of the pearl when they are attacked one night. She knows that the pearl that has become Kino's heart and soul will only bring calamity and misfortune to her whole family. However, Juana's advice goes unheeded. Kino is convinced that the great pearl that he possess will change the life of his family. Being a poor man, he can now buy new clothes, new shoes and a harpoon that he desires. With the money obtained from selling the pearl, he could also give Coyotito a proper education so that he could read,write, and count. It goes to show here that the greediness of others destroys any chance for Kino to find happiness in life. I learn that I should not be greedy towards other people's fortune and yearn for the things I could not have. I should be contented with what I have in life.
The villagers in La Paz also suffer from oppression and racial discrimination. Since the Spanish conquered Mexico in the 16th century, the lower class such as the fishermen and pearl divers are often oppress by the high society. Wealthy people such as the doctor force the poor to live on simple food and humble dwellings. It is not uncommon for the villagers the fact that the doctor refuses to treat the people from the brush houses. The morally-decadent doctor treats the poor like 'animals' which is very disrespectful. The priest is also among the characters in the novel that oppress the lower class. The 'great Father of the Church' (page 27) is greedy for donations to repair the church after he hears the news about Kino and his pearl. The cunning priest misrepresents his social position. He does not care about the welfare of the villagers and treats them like children. Furthermore, he tells Kino to fulfill his duty as a christian, ironic words spoken by a man who refuses to marry Kino and Juana. In another instance, the pearl buyers are also oppressing Kino and his race. They have separate offices to resemble competition when they are all working under the same patron. They offer ridiculous and unreasonable price for Kino's pearl even though it worths more. The Indians realise this, but they keep quiet in order to survive in the society. The novel teaches me not to oppress and discriminate others and just accept them for who they are.
Last but not least, I learn the importance of love in a family. This value is shown by Juana when she shows her love and care towards Coyotito. When Coyotito is stung by a venomous scorpion, she is the one who suggests to seek treatment from the doctor despite knowing the fact that the doctor will not entertained their needs. She also makes a poultice out of brown seaweed and places them on her baby's swollen shoulder. Kino also shows deep care for his family when he takes them away from the village to a safer place. He is concerned about his family's safety that he is willing to kill the trackers in cold-blood with his own hands. In the end of the novel, Kino destroys the pearl even after the death of his one and only child. The moral value teaches me that having a happy family could not be replaced by anything.
In a nutshell, I learn that we should not feel greedy towards others, oppress and discriminate those who are poor, and love my family more than anything.