Question 24

Using the details from the novel that you have studied, write about:

“Life is about managing challenges”. How is this shown in the novel you have read?

The novel that I have studied is ‘The Pearl’ written by John Steinbeck. The story is about Kino, his wife Juana and son Coyotito living a simple live in the outskirts of La Paz. ‘The Pearl’ portrays how this family is thrown with life’s challenges and how they cope with the challenges through thick and thin.

I find that the incident where Coyotito is stung by the venomous scorpion is a challenge to this family where it puts Kino and Juana into strong determination to cure their beloved son. Seeing her son’s life is at stake, Juana sucks the poison out from the wound, without even have any concern of her own life. As a protective mother, she makes a decision where none of the people of their kind would consider, which is to meet the doctor. This is considered a challenge to them, as a lower class society, to meet a town doctor of high society. Juana is determined and in the eyes of the public, they meet the doctor. Although their poverty only gives them rejection, Kino and Juana does not give up hope. Kino then goes to sea seeking for a pearl of value to pay for his son’s treatment. In the meantime, Juana collects some brown seaweed and makes it into poultice for Coyotito’s bite wound. Kino’s persistent determination, leads them to the findings of the great pearl, “it was as large as a seagull’s egg.” (Page 19), this pearl is foreseen as their ticket out of poverty. This shows that strong determination overcomes obstacles. We also must never give up hope and try our very best in any situations. Rewards are given to those who deserve.

Moreover, I find that the event where Kino’s large pearl becomes the main desires in everyone eyes is too a challenge for them where it puts Kino into protectiveness over his prized possession. As the news of the great pearl travel, the people of Kino’s village and the town has their eyes and thoughts set on the pearl. Juan Thomas, Kino’s brother warns him not to be cheated by the greed of the pearl buyers. Kino refuses to sell his pearl for low amount, thus he declares that he would sell the pearl at the capital. The doctor also takes this golden opportunity to make his own fortune. He treats Coyotito by giving him some pills that only worsen Coyotito’s condition. After a while, the doctor returns, treats Coyotito again, and behaves as if he has cured the baby. Kino feels insecure and has fears that someone might steal the pearl. He takes precautions and hides it by burying it in a hole underneath his sleeping mat. He becomes overprotective of his good fortune and not letting anyone to steal away his prized possession. This shows that greed is a challenge to Kino and his protective actions leads to many resolutions. All precautions are taken to overcome the possibilities that might happen.

Furthermore, I find that the incident where the pearl attracts dangers into Kino and his family’s life is a definite challenge for them as it leads Kino into bravery and courageousness. Kino becomes cautious and wary when he senses dangers lurking after them. He discovers that they are being followed by trackers, one on horseback with a rifle and the other two on foot. He leads his wife Juana and son Coyotito to the mountains and hides them in a cave up at the mountain. Kino, as a protective father and husband, gains bravery and courage to take action in his own hands. He takes the opportunity to attack the trackers while two trackers are sleeping. With no mercy, Kino kills the all the trackers one by one, as one of them is kill violently, “he whirled and struck the head of the seated man like a melon.” (Page 84) Unfortunately, to their most fear, Coyotito is killed by the gunshot from the gunman before the struggle. This shows that Kino’s heroic actions to save his family at all cost are a way they has overcome a big challenge in life and not to run away from it. With bravery and courage we are able to overcome tough obstacles in life.

In a nutshell, strong determination, sense of protection and bravery and courageousness are the qualities needed as essences in life to conquer life’s challenges.

By: Nur Aqilah Safar