... of literacy. Two of these qualities are deep feeling for nature and a profound sympathy for people. American 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, when ... ...

• 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

Throughout the history of mankind, the lust for wealth has been the cause of wars, murders, and many types of criminal acts. In the story, The Pearl by John Steinbeck, the pearl started out as a sparkling jewel of splendor, and then evolved into a malignant growth of evil. The desire to possess it and the wealth that it represents changes the lives of three law-abiding people (Juana, the Priest, and the doctor) and ultimately destroys them. Juana, the faithful ... upon him. In the hope of gaining possession of the pearl and achieving social status for himself in the eyes of the church, the Pr...

• Word Count: 632
• Approx Pages: 3
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School