Examples Of Greed In The Pearl By John Steinbeck

People living in first world countries are very blessed, having enough money to support them and their families is a luxury only some can afford. But if they start wanting more riches than they need, it becomes very easy to lose sight of what’s truly important and give into greed. Wanting things that aren't needed is common, young kids often want toys that they don't need, but when that lust for the unnecessary grows, it can become deadly. Greed changes people, in The Pearl, by John Steinbeck, Kino falls victim to his own greedy nature after the pearl in introduced. His need for materialistic things damages some of the most important relationships in his life. In The Pearl, by John Steinbeck, it is wrong for Kino to want more than he is given,
In the beginning or the book Kino trusted his village, La Paz originally represented Eden, and there were no lies, deceiving or sin. In Eden Adam and Eve trusted each other and so did the animals. But the pearl changed that, it made Kino, distrusting and cruel, destroying Eden forever. Kino’s lack of trust leads into a loss of community, Steinbeck depicts “And Juana (...) asked, ‘Who do you fear?” Kino searched for a true answer, and at last he said ‘Everyone’” (36). It appears as if there is still good in Kino, he doesn't want to lie, and although that appears to be an unimportant detail it shows that although corruption is taking place a small part of him is hanging on, some of his morals are still left intact. Although, Kino does admit to fearing everyone, and in more rural and village type setting a community is an extension of one’s family, Kino not trusting his village is equivalent of not trusting a cousin. This highlights the level of mistrust and fear that Kino is feeling. Fear leads people to the dark side, Kino fell victim to his fear and let it consume him to the point of murder. Steinbeck illustrates “Now, in an instant, Juana new that the old life was gone forever. A dead man in the path and Kino’s knife, dark bladed beside him, convinced her” (60-61). The dead man that Kino killed represents their old life, it’s gone and dead
Kino was destroyed by greed and it’s corruptive nature; it made the important things in life look bland and insignificant. Greed clouded his mind and created a new person, this new Kino didn't care about those he loved and it destroyed part of his humanity. Kino’s nonchalant disposition and desire for material things created something villainous inside of him, and he damaged old relationships that he once held close to his heart. Materials cannot take the place of family or community, and once those things are lost, it becomes almost impossible to gain them