Novel Comparison: Zorba the Greek and The Pearl

The purpose of this essay is to compare and contrast two novels, Kazantakis, Zorba the Greek and Steinbeck’s, The Pearl. The author uses the protagonist in each novel to discuss the role of power in peoples lives. The two characters are each very similar yet very different because while The Pearl explores the life of a hard working, determined pearl diver, Zorba the Greek follows the life of an easygoing, dynamic personality, who works and lives by his own rules. In order to provide a comparative analysis of the novels, they must be summarized. First, Zorba the Greek is a story about Alexis Zorbas who greatly impacts the life of the narrator, an Englishman, who decided to get away from texts and experience life. He pursues his objective by beginning a new life as a mining operator in Crete. Zorba accompanies the narrator on this trip and in doing so changes his life forever. Secondly, Steinbeck uses the literary form of the parable to explore five momentous days in the life of an Indigenous pearl diver living in La Paz. Upon discovery of the largest and most beautiful pearl the small village had ever seen, the life of Kino and his family is changed forever. A central issue in

“There was a time when I used to say: that man’s a Turk, or a Bulgar, or a Greek.

While both men are religious Zorba retains his own beliefs and individuality from God. In contrast, Kino is unable to detach himself from Gods will. The role of religion is an important aspect of all peoples lives within the two books. Although both books make reference to Western perceptions of God, there is a nuance of Ancient figures. Regardless of which “God” each character lives under, the role of God in each characters life varies. For example, Zorba looks to God but still holds his own beliefs and does not let God rule his life. On the other hand, Kino follows Gods will and attributes lifes events to God and higher powers. Moreover, conceptions of good and evil for Kino are based on religious rituals and traditions. Zorba retains his won beliefs based on experience. In the beginning of The Pearl, Kino shows belief in both Ancient gods and a Christian God. “You must want it just enough and you must be very tactful with God or gods.”(18) Although Kino does not identify with a specific God, he still recognizes that higher powers play a central part in his life. Traditionally God would determine not only events in a persons life but what is good and bad. For Kino, any good things that happen in Kino’s life is a result of Gods will and His understanding of good and bad. In contrast, Zorba does not view conceptions of good and evil based on religion. Instead through many life experiences, Zorba has come to determine what is good and evil based oh his own opinions. He does not follow exactly what God says is good or evil on the earth. Zorba states:

this man is a good fellow, that one’s a bastard. They can be Greeks or Bulgars

both works is the conception of power. Power is manifested within the texts in many ways such as religion, economic status and a sharp contrast of different types of characters, some driven by greed while the others driven by compassion. In Kazantzakis, Zorba the Greek and in Steinbeck’s, The Pearl, the role of power is an essential theme. Through a comparative analysis o

Some topics in this essay:
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