... writer John Steinbeck utilizes these qualities to create stories with intense and ironic plots, creating characters that struggle to live even under the most brutal conditions and that are moved by forces they can hardly understand or control. His parable, "The Pearl", is one such story that clearly demonstrates the utilization of these qualities. The qualities are revealed when Kino finds the pearl, ... that Kino freed himself from his greed and that the couple will start a new life. His unwavering nature to strive remains unchanged. All in all, Steinbeck evidently demonstrated the two ...

• Word Count: 712
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School

Kino, Juana, and Coyotito wake up to a very average morning in their brush house. Everything is going fine until a scorpion quietly climbs onto Coyotito's shoulder and stings him. Kino crushes the scorpion, but the baby's shoulder begins to swell as he cries. Juana decides that they will take him to the doctor, who doesn't work for poor people. He refuses to work for them, and the frustrated family goes straight to the family's canoe, which has sentimental value because it was passed down for many generations, and pushes out into the water. As they reach the oyster bed, Kino gets out and begin...

• Word Count: 554
• Approx Pages: 2
• Grade Level: High School