Steinbeck, John: 1902-1968

The Pearl, 1947 - Thematic Parallels: Greed

Greed refers to an excessive craving for wealth, power, food, or possessions, but it can also extend to status, attention, or other intangible things.
Steinbeck, John: The Pearl, 1947
The story focuses primarily on the dangers of greed and the corrupting influence of wealth.
The following books are thematically simliar. They lend themselves well to being read in groups, compared with one another, or used to teach a similar topic over an extended period with a class:
- Draper, Sharon: Copper Sun, 2006, ~300pp
  This novel deals with themes of slavery, oppression, and social injustice, which relate to the social critique aspect of "The Pearl."
  - Both novels explore the destructive impact of greed, injustice, and societal pressures on individuals and families. Tehy aim to teach readers about ethical and social consequences through their narratives.
- Lessing, Doris: The Grass Is Singing, 1950, ~240pp
  This novel delves into societal oppression and personal tragedies, which may align with the social critiques in “The Pearl.”
  - "The Grass Is Singing" and "The Pearl" share common ground in their critique of oppression, the destructive potential of desire, tragic outcomes, colonial settings, symbolic depth, and the struggle of individuals against society. Both use personal narratives to illuminate broader social and moral issues.
- Prejean, Helen: Dead Man Walking, 1993, ~350pp
  This novella explores justice, morality, and human suffering, which could relate to the moral lessons in “The Pearl” about the destructive nature of greed.
  - Both works examine how human desire—whether for wealth, power, or control—can lead to moral compromise and destructive consequences. Their exploration of human nature and societal flaws resonates similarly, emphasizing the costs of greed, prejudice, and ethical compromise.
- Wilde, Oscar: The Importance of Being Earnest, 1895, ~140pp
  This is a satirical play that critiques social pretenses and superficiality, resonating with "The Pearl’s" critique of societal greed and superficial values.
  - Both works use their narratives to reveal how societal expectations and structures shape, limit, or oppress individuals. Wilde uses humor and irony, while Steinbeck uses realism and tragedy. Both share themes of societal critique, human ambition, moral tension, and symbolic meaning. They explore how people navigate societal pressures and desires, revealing the universality of certain human struggles despite differences in style and era.
List of general discussion questions on Greed (pdf)
List of essay prompts on Greed (pdf)