When going through times of grief, people may react differently than they would if they were in well-being. Many tend to deteriorate while others may grow stronger when such events occur. Such examples include when a family member dies or when one experiences an accident. In John Steinbeck's The Pearl, Juana demonstrates a constant being through times of pleasure and conflict.
Waking up to a warm fire and to the "pat of the corncakes in the house and the rich smell of them on the cooking plate" (3) starts off the day for Juana's family. Creating a comfortable atmosphere for the family is just one of the few unique qualities Juana has to offer. She accepts her gender role as a tolerant and dutiful spouse who has much perseverance (6,7). Whenever times are tough, Kino can always depend on her for assistance and indicates this many times. During the confrontation with the pearl buyer, Kino looks Juana in the eye and has new strength (51). Juana leads a simple life with simple desires which mostly comes from her culture. Implied communication works so well in Juana's and Kino's relationship because each can seem to trust and read each one's mind as "there is not need for speech if it is only a habit anyway" (4). Juana and Kino are a team and are always there for each other. Each know each other so well that it is not an exaggeration to say that Juana and Kino can read each other's thoughts and feelings.
Steinbeck portrays many feelings and desires in the novel. Early in the novel, Steinbeck specifies that when one is given one gift, it is never enough. "For it is [said] that humans are never [satisfied], that you give them one thing, and they want something more" (25). Some of Kino's visions are to marry Juana, buy a rifle, and give his son education (24,25,26). This characteristic of greed does not apply to Juana, however. Unlike Kino, Juana does not allow the pearl to overwhelm her into thinking of a desire for material possessions.
