Examples Of Corruption In The Pearl

Is it possible that humans will never change their corrupt nature? Is it possible to achieve a society where the poor do not suffer under the rich and women are acknowledged as equals? In “The Pearl” Steinbeck comments on this aspect of society. The novel is not merely telling a story; the one-dimensional portrayal of the rich as corrupt and evil, the poor as powerless victims, and women as strong and overlooked, reflects the real world.
Steinbeck characterizes the doctor as racist, greedy and malicious. In contrast, Kino the poor Indian is shown as powerless. When Kino stood in front of the doctor’s house he “hesitated a moment” as the doctor “was of a race, which for nearly four hundred years had beaten and starved and robbed and despised Kino’s race, and frightened it too” (Steinbeck 9). The doctor tossed Kino and his family on the same level as animals when he refused to treat “the little Indian” as he was “not a veterinary” (Steinbeck 11). The doctor did not need more money, he was wealthy and had a servant; he refused to treat the child because of greed and the awareness that his high position meant that he would not face any consequences even if Coytito died. Kino was furious about it, but he was powerless, he was vulnerable and weak. However, the doctor’s attitude transformed when he heard about the pearl, and he was suddenly willing to treat the baby. He knew he could trick Kino and give Coytito the wrong medicine; Kino might be aware but “he couldn’t’ take the