The Pearl written by John Steinbeck is a parable, a story that teaches a moral lesson. This novel focuses on a poor Indian family. The family consists of three members: Kino, husband, father and fisherman, Juana, his loving wife and mother; and Coyotito their grandson. This destitute family lives in a small cabin in the bush on the shore of the Gulf of Mexico, near the city of La Paz. One day, Coyotito is bitten by a scorpion; A scorpion sting can be fatal for a baby. Kino and Juana are very worried about their baby's health; therefore, they hope to find a pearl worthy enough of the doctor's payment to cure Coyotito. With luck, Kino finds a pearl the size of a seagull's egg; he calls it “the pearl of the world”. This novel, like others, revolves around a major theme; The theme of a literary work is defined as the main idea, concern, or purpose of life that the author wishes to convey to his reader. John Steinbeck in his novel The Pearl reveals the vital theme of Kino and his family's struggle against greed. This major theme of greed presented throughout the novel is a common human phenomenon that most people have experienced during their lives. An example of this vital theme of greed occurs when a scorpion stings Coyotito. Kino, Juana and everyone in their village hope that the doctor will cure their sick baby. Once he arrives at the doctor's office, Kino knocks on the door. The doctor's servant comes to the door and Kino informs him of Coyotito's illness. The servant closes the door and goes to report this case to the doctor. The disgruntled doctor has this reaction towards the servant: The doctor gently puts down his cup before letting his anger rise. I have nothing better to do...... middle of paper ...... Kino and Juana must act quickly; Kino has an idea: "If I get to the one with the gun first, I have to catch him first, then everything will be fine." Two are sleeping... They will see your white clothes... No, and I must go before the moon rises” (83). When Kino presents his idea, he actually thinks more about protecting his pearl than protecting his family. Kino is willing to risk his life and plans to murder the trackers because he is extremely greedy. This parable called The Pearl written by John Steinbeck teaches readers lessons about life and people. Steinbeck uses a universal struggle against greed to embody his deepest idea and concerns about life which he conveys in this novel. In conclusion, John Steinbeck wanted his readers of The Pearl to take away a lesson or message from the fight against greed and use those lessons or messages to apply them to their daily lives..