every-girls-got-one

Ujian setara 2009

2009-08-08T03:29:00.000-07:00

What moral values did you learn after reading the novel 'The Pearl' by John Steinbeck? Support your answers with close reference to the text.

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.

Introduction

2009-07-17T03:03:00.000-07:00

I forgot about this part.Well,here goes:

I like red and white.

When I'm in one of my crazy-hyperactive mood, I annoy my friends to entertain myself.I know, it's sick but I can't help it.It's so much fun seeing them screaming their head off sometimes.

I like making sarcastic remarks when I'm annoyed at someone/something. Aqilah calls me sarcastic queen.-_-'' (once)

I don't mix around much outside my social circle. Which is why-

Rai says I'm reserved

My mum says I have "gold in my mouth"

But I called it social-retard.

I love my two closest buddy, Aqilah and Rairai a lot...=) We've been through thick and thin (or should I say foolish and outrageous crazy moments) together.

I love quotes.Rairai is my partner-in-crime.XD This is my favourite so far:

The important thing is not to be bitter over life's disappointments.

Learn to let go of the past and recognise that everyday won't be sunny.

And when you find yourself lost in the darkness of despair,

Remember, it's only in the black of night that you see the stars.

And those stars lead you back home.

That's pretty much it. I hope my "the pearl" post is beneficial for those taking SPM.

Social setting where the strong try to take advantage of the weak

2009-07-17T01:35:00.000-07:00

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.