Whether it has been because of money, power, or fame, people of great power and high society have always had much rule over the poor, weak, and unfortunate. “Society comprises two classes: those who have more food than appetite, and those who have more appetite than food." (Sébastien-Roch Nicholas de Chamfort) This quote well depicts the circumstances that are put forth in John Steinbeck’s novel, The Pearl. These conditions are brought upon a poor Indian named Kino who makes a living by diving for pearls in the sea. He finds what is said to be “the pearl of the world”, giving him thoughts of fortune and living well. Without knowing it, something with such splendor and magnificence ends up bringing chaos and evil to Kino and all those who support him in his amazing discovery. In Steinbeck’s The Pearl, there are many ways that characterization is used to exemplify how the rich and powerful dominate the poor and weak.
The doctor, being one of the story’s antagonists, uses his social ranking, class, and skill at his job to manipulate Kino’s race and family. Juana, Kino’s wife, demands the doctor’s talents and abilities to help revive their baby, Coyotito, when he gets stung by a poisonous scorpion. Unfortunately, the doctor refuses to treat someone of such a poor class, which is no surprise to many. “‘Have I nothing better to do than cure insect bites for ‘little Indians’? I am a doctor, not a veterinary’” (11). The doctor relates the Indians to being like animals and is in no way inclined to help them. Very selfishly, he tricked the Indians into thinking he had to leave to treat a more important patient who was having a fatal emergency. He showed that he is only in his job for the money, which Kino had lacked. As soon as word got out that Kino had found “the pearl of the world”, the doctor’s outlook on his so-called patient completely changed. When asked about Kino, the doctor replied with an entirely different perspective than before. “‘He is a client of...