Workbook, Question 3
In a social setting where the strong try to take advantage of the weak. Relate how this takes place in the novel you have read.
The novel that I have studied is 'The Pearl' written by John Steinbeck.The wealthier Spanish Mexican people in the fishing village community are the ones who dominate the social setting and take advantage of the poorer Indian Mexicans.
The ancient city of La Paz, in which the story takes place, is a symbol of the oppression of the poorer class and racial discrimination. Mexico was conquered by the Spanish in the 16th Century and for generation the Mexican Indians have been oppressed by the people of Spanish descent.For a poverty-stricken man like Kino, it is difficult for him to break free from his social standing.The novel depicts the life of fishermen and pearl divers who suffers from racism which results in abuse and deceit.
The wealthy people, represented by the doctor, force the poor to exist on simple food and humble dwellings. It is accepted by the people that the doctor would never set foot in the village to treat them. When Coyotito is stung by a venomous scorpion, Kino and his wife, Juana take him to the doctor in hopes that he will be cured. However, the doctor refuses to treat Kino's son because he refuse to work for free. He is only interested in treating Coyotito after he learns that Kino has discovered the "Pearl of the World." (page 35) The morally decadent doctor is also willing to poison a child in order to get paid. He takes advantage of Kino's ignorance to cheat him.It shows here that the upscale Spanish people reigns over the Mexican Indians as they feel that they are of a superior race.
In another instance, the priest in town is also a hypocritical man who often abuses his social position.He misrepresents the attitude of a church towards the Indian community.The cunning priest has an ulterior motive when he visits Kino.He is greedy for donations to repair his church when he heard Kino discovered the pearl. Besides that, the "great Father of the Church" (page 27) is not really concerned about the welfare of the Mexican Indians.He reminds Kino to fulfill his duty as a Christian, ironic words spoken by a man who refuse to marry Kino and Juana. In my opinion, the materialistic priest is one of the characters in the novel that participates in the oppression of the lower class.
On the other hand, the dishonest pearl buyers also plan to cheat Kino and the people of his race. They have organise themselves into a unit to cheat the poor Indians. They conspire together to buy their pearls at the lowest possible price," the best and happiest pearl buyer was he who bought for the lowest prices." (page 41) The Indians know what the pearl buyers are doing, but are helpless against it. They accepted the ridiculous offers of the corrupted and avaricious dealers if they want to survive. The author criticizes the social system in the community that preys upon the less fortunate through the pearl buyers.
Kino also becomes the target of merciless attackers and trackers upon his good fortune. After the first attack, Juana pleads Kino to destroy the pearl as she understands the evil forces that are out to get Kino and his pearl.But Kino refuses to listen to Juana's advice and is determine to keep the pearl despite the consequences that he has to face. Kino knows that the mother of all pearls means a new life for his family. Unfortunately, Kino becomes every man's enemy only because he owns the pearl.The greed of others destroys any chance for him to find happiness in life.
In a nutshell, I find that the social setting in the novel conveys the message of oppression and racism in a way that suggests they are negative elements in life. Furthermore, it also shows that the upper class mistreats the lower class in any way possible to remain rich and powerful.
{the riddle of red}
