Cannery Row Essay, Research Paper
The Pearl of Cannery Row
A pearl is created when a tiny speck of intruding dust enters and irritates an oyster shell. The reaction of the oyster is to make a beautiful pearl out of the particle of dust. Some pearls are perfect and others are imperfect, but all are a unique and wondrous creation of nature. In Cannery Row, John Steinbeck imitates nature?s process with Cannery Row as the oyster and Mack as the speck of dust. Steinbeck shows Mack as the irritant which causes Cannery Row to veer from a precarious course and make a change for the better. In the end Mack creates a wonderful ?pearl? for Cannery Row ? the quality of unity ? and the reader learns that sometimes the best results come from seemingly meaningless occurrences.
Mack is in the least a large source of irritation and at the most worthless to the residents of Cannery Row. Steinbeck introduces him as ?… the elder, leader, mentor and to a small extent, the exploiter of a little group of men who had in common no families, no money and no ambitions beyond food, drink and contentment? (9). His effect upon the town, while often anonymous, is clearly sensed: ?A hardware store supplied a can of red paint not reluctantly because it never knew about it…? (12). Mack appears when he needs something and disappears when pay-up time comes around. To Cannery Row, ?Mack [and the boys] avoid the trap, walk around the poison, step over the noose while a generation of trapped, poisoned and trussed-up men scream at them and call them no-goods, come-to-bad-ends, blots-on-the-town, thieves, rascals, bums? (15). Because Mack does not fit society?s traditional standards of living, the town also assumes that his character does not measure up either. He isn?t seen for what he really is ? a man with a sweet soul who simply is not driven by worldly desires ? instead, people judge him against others and by their own expectations of a man.
Mack lacks ambition but not a good heart. His only intentions are for survival, never for the purpose of inflicting pain or problem on others: ?In the world ruled by tigers with ulcers, rutted by strictured bulls, scavenged by blind jackals, Mack [and the boys] dine delicately with the tigers, fondle the frantic heifers, and wrap up the crumbs to feed the sea gulls of Cannery Row? (15). He calmly accepts what his life presents him with, making palaces out of shacks instead of trying to attain a higher position. Mack?s good-natured side can be seen in his desire to do something nice for the friendly and dependable marine biologist Doc. For Cannery Row, the effect is for Mack to actually develop a goal ? throwing a party for Doc. As soon as this goal is realized, Mack goes to work. He manipulates everyone, including Doc himself, so his goal can be attained; from Lee Chong, the grocery store owner: ?Will you let us take your old truck up to Carmel Valley for frogs for Doc?for good old Doc?? (55) to the trusting captain who ends up willingly helping Mack: ?You know, I?ve got a pond up by the house that?s so full of frogs, I can?t sleep nights . . . I?d be glad to get rid of them? (83), and back to Lee Chong again. Ironically, Mack could just as easily use his persuasive powers strictly for personal gain, but the thought never enters his mind.
We see the cultivation of the pearl taking place with the events leading up to the botched first party and with the disaster itself. Mack first stirs up the town in his campaign to acquire money and materials for the party. Everything is smooth until the irritation begins: Mack makes the mistake of saying ?just a few sips won?t hurt? too many times: with the captain ?Maybe a short one . . . wouldn?t it be easier to pour out some in a pitcher?? (92), in waiting for Doc: ?They [Mack and the boys] had a couple more drinks, just to savor the plan? (121) and while decorating: ?They [Mack and the boys] had finished the whiskey by now and they really felt in a party mood? (124). Just as the speck of dust causes a domino effect when the oyster feels the irritation, Mack?s mistake causes a domino effect as well ? for the party itself and for Cannery Row. The deterioration of the plan starts with the alcohol, and then selfishness takes over when Mack and the boys become quickly addicted to trading frogs for goods at Lee Chong?s: ?The poison of greed was already creeping into the innocent and laudable mercantile agreement? (119). This leads to an overabundance of decorations and unbridled merriment at Doc?s party. Doc, finding himself left to pick up the pieces of the disaster, uncharacteristically loses control and flies into a rage: ?Doc hit him [Mack] again, a cold calculating punch in the mouth? (130). While the aftermath directly affects the guilty: ?Mack and the boys were under a cloud and they knew it and they knew they deserved it. They had become social outcasts. All their good intentions were forgotten now? (140), the negative repercussions are not limited to them. Around Cannery Row, the effect continues and a time of unhappy restlessness follows ? Dora must close the Bear Flag for longer than usual, Henri the painter is traumatized by a terrible vision, the Malloys fight, a storm attacks the coast and Darling, the heart and soul of the Palace Flophouse, gets sick. Not until Darling gets well, after Mack and the boys have strived to help her, does the town have the ability to break the depression.
The final touches ? the beautiful and strong outer shells of the pearl ? are created when Mack and the boys once again introduce the concept of a party for Doc to the town: ?They [Mack and the boys] sat in the Palace Flophouse and they were the stone dropped in the pool, the impulse which sent ripples to all of Cannery Row and beyond …? (166). Mack makes use of the lesson he learned from the earlier fiasco and really concentrates on the party, forgetting about what brief benefits could be attained on the way. This time around, the entire town gets involved: ?Now a gladness began to penetrate into the Row and spread out from there? (157), and immediately feels the positive effects. Everyone benefits from their involvement in the conspiracy: Dora and the girls of the bordello have a project in creating the blanket; the Malloys concentrate on finding gifts for Doc and no longer fight; Lee Chong gets in the spirit by helping with decorations; and Mack and the boys once again have a goal.
The pearl ? the unity of Cannery Row ? is revealed with the presentation of the party. For once, the citizens of Cannery Row have worked together towards a common goal and are successful: ?You could hear the roar of the party from end to end on Cannery Row? (189). While every night and day thereafter cannot be as unified as the night of the party, Cannery Row has been changed for the better: ?Certainly all of Cannery Row and probably all of Monterey felt that a change had come? (156). Strong bonds have been formed and happy memories have been created among the townspeople. A new level of understanding exists ? work acquaintances and neighbors have become more significant ? they have become friends.
Mack never intended to be the speck of dust in the oyster. He innocently followed his heart, which is what lead him to be the irritant and the changing factor for Cannery Row. Directly and indirectly, from his actions, the pearl is created. No one could have speculated that Mack, the seemingly invaluable transient, would bring unity and happiness to Cannery Row. Steinbeck clearly shows the reader a parallel: just as nature transforms tiny specks of dust into pearls, insignificant matters and people are cultivated into miracles.
Work Cited
Steinbeck. John. Cannery Row. New York: Penguin Books, 1992
Другие работы по теме:
Cannery Row Essay Research Paper CANNERY ROWDoc
Cannery Row Essay, Research Paper CANNERY ROW Doc lived in Cannnery Row for a variety of reasons. One reason was that Doc had a ” cool warm mind” and therefore he was quite caring. He showed this by taking care of anyone or anything. An example of this included when he checked on Darling when she was sick. Another example of this care is a quote in the book that follows as ” Doc would listen to any kind of nonsense and change it for you to a kind of wisdom.” Another reason why he lived in Cannery Row existed as he was loved by everyone.
Scarlet Letter Essay Research Paper The Letter
Scarlet Letter Essay, Research Paper The Letter A The novel The Scarlet Letter was set in the Massachusetts Bay colony in the 17th century. Hester Prynne, her illegitimate daughter Pearl, her ex-husband Roger, and the
The Manifestation Of Sin Essay Research Paper
The Scarlet Letter is a book of much symbolism. One of the most complex and misunderstood symbols in the book is Pearl, the daughter of Hester Prynne. Throughout the story Pearl develops into a prominent symbol of the “A”. In this essay the example of symbolism Pearl comes to represent will be explained.
The Pearl 2 Essay Research Paper IntroductionSteinbeck
The Pearl 2 Essay, Research Paper Introduction Steinbeck was born in Salinas, California, in 1902. His first 3 books were financial failures, and he worked at various kinds of jobs to The book that I read is called the Pearl and the author is Steinbesurvive, including fruit picking. His first success was Tortilla Flat (1935), which was followed by In Dubious battle a number of shorter works, leading to his great masterpiece, The Grapes of Wrath, which won the Pulitzer prize in 1940.
The Pearl Essay Research Paper The PearlThe
The Pearl Essay, Research Paper The Pearl The Peal by John Steinbeck, a story of a man, his wife, their baby, and greed. Kino, the man, had no need for money, he was happy with the little things he had. A brush house, a sleeping mat, a canoe, and a family, that?s all he needed, until his son was in danger and needed medical treatment and Kino found The Pearl.
The Pearl Essay Research Paper This book
The Pearl Essay, Research Paper This book is about a pearl diver named Kino. He and his wife and son are a poor family. When his son becomes ill, Kino takes to the sea on a quest to find some way to save his son. He finds a magnificant pearl. Kino and his wife belive that they will be wealthly and live the rest of their lives in happiness, but when Kino visits the local pearl handlers, he feels the prices which they offer him are ludicrous and refuses to sell.
The Scarlet Letter Essay Research Paper
“The Scarlet Letter” was written by Nathaniel Hawthorne in 1828. “The Scarlet Letter” portrayed the punishment suffered by two individuals who committed adultery in a Puritan society and their struggle to deal with their sins. Throughout the novel Hawthorne uses Pearl to serve as a constant reminder to Hester and Dimmesdale of their sin.
Pearl Harbor 3 Essay Research Paper Position
Pearl Harbor 3 Essay, Research Paper Position Paper Although the bombing of Pearl Harbor and events of World War II are far behind us and still in our minds, the United States under any and all circumstances would have gotten involved in the war eventually no matter what. Sure Pearl Harbor was the obvious reason why the United States decided to join the war, but there are some other less obvious clues that point towards our involvement no matter what the situation.
Scarlet Letter Essay Research Paper The story
Scarlet Letter Essay, Research Paper The story The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne this story takes place on puritan times, is about Hester Prynne who commits the act of adultery and has to b punished for her sin. Out of all the characters in the story, Hester suffers the most for one, she must wear the scarlet “A”.
Mack Essay Research Paper
Mack is a character in Cannery Row that is idolized by some of theunexpected characters in the book. It is funny what makes some people idolizepeople. It is not always how successful, rich, or even how smart someone is.Sometimes a person idolizes someone because of the way they act, think, or thingsthey stand for.
Contender Essay Research Paper During the course
Contender Essay, Research Paper During the course of THE CONTENDER, by Robert Lipsyte, Alfred is influenced by several characters who help him grow, change and learn. Two of the most important were Mr. Donatelli, the owner of the gym, and Alfred’s Aunt Pearl.
The Pearl Essay Research Paper Character Analysis
The Pearl Essay, Research Paper Character Analysis of Kino from “The Pearl” Kino, a character from the story “The Pearl,” is a prime example of a developing character. From the start through to the end, he develops drastically. At the beginning, he was thought out to be a good loyal husband but as time went on he became a selfish, greedy person who would do anything for money.
The Pearl The Curse Of The Oyster
Essay, Research Paper In The Pearl, by John Steinbech, evil transforms certain humble citizens into envious savages. Evil was exhibited by the doctor who refused to treat Coyotito because his parents had no money. When the doctor heard of Kino and Juana’s fortune in finding “the pearl of the world” (722), he boasted that they were patients of his while thinking of a better life for himself in Paris.
The Symbolic Pearl Essay Research Paper Most
The Symbolic Pearl Essay, Research Paper Most novels usually have a main symbol, which teaches a character, or the reader, a very important lesson or moral. This is true in Nathaniel Hawthorne s classic The Scarlet Letter, where Hester Prynne s daughter Pearl serves as the most extensive living symbol in the entire novel.
Scarlet Letter Essay Research Paper Light and
Scarlet Letter Essay, Research Paper Light and Darkness in The Scarlet Letter Nathaniel Hawthorne, author of The Scarlet Letter, felt that the Puritans were people who believed that the world was a place where the battle between good and evil was a never-ending one. Throughout the novel, Hawthorne uses the symbols of light and dark to depict this battle among the characters Hester Prynne, Pearl, and Roger Chillingworth.
Hester Prynne In
‘the Scarlet Letter’ Essay, Research Paper In Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter Hester Prynne and her daughter Pearl are isolated from society; this is shown by where they live, the action from people toward
The Pearl Essay Research Paper The ThemeThe
The Pearl Essay, Research Paper The Theme The Pearl by John Steinbeck is the story of an intrepid man named Kino and the dilemma that he goes through when he finds a pearl. For the
Symbolism Of Peal In The Scarlet Letter
Essay, Research Paper The Scarlet Letter is a book of much symbolism. One of the most complex and misunderstood symbols in the book is Peal, the daughter of Hester Prynne. Pearl, throughout the story, developes into a dynamic symbol- one that is always changing. As the novel progresses, Pearl grows older, and it’s easy for the reader to want to explore some of the symbolism which Pearl comes to represent throughout the novel.
Pearl Harbor History Essay Research Paper Pearl
Pearl Harbor History Essay, Research Paper Pearl Harbor The Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, Oahu, Hawaii on December 7, 1941 at 7:50 AM on a Sunday morning. There were over 3500 Navy, Army, and Marine troops killed. Four battle ships were sunk and many over military vessels were heavily damaged. The U.S. and Japan had not yet declared war and the U.S. military divisions were not on any type of wartime alert.
The Pearl Essay Research Paper Kurt StockwellHOW
The Pearl Essay, Research Paper Kurt Stockwell HOW IS THE PEARL A PARABLE The Pearl defined in the Merriam Webster Dictionary as par a ble “par- -b l n : a simple story told to illustrate a moral truth. The Pearl is a perfect example of a parable as
Pearl As A Symbol Essay Research Paper
In Nathaniel Hawthorne’s the Scarlet Letter, Pearl, is a symbol of sin and adultery in the sense that she leads Dimmsdale and Hester to their confession and the acceptance of their sins. A beauitful daughter of the towns adulturist has somtimes demon like traits. She is also the only living symblol of the scarlet letter “A”.
Compare And Contrast On The Pearl Essay
, Research Paper Compare and Contrast Essay According to The Pearl, the Indians and the Caucasians had the same plans of their own if they owned the pearl. The pearl meant wealth for the Indians. To the whites the pearl meant more power and wealth. Unlike the Caucasian, the Indians had many reasons for desiring the great pearl.
The Pearl Essay Research Paper the pearl
The Pearl Essay, Research Paper the pearl by john steinback The novella The Pearl is a story about greed , corruption, and good against evil. The story starts out with a poor indian pearl diver named Kino, who lives on the Baja penninsula
Scarletletter Symbolism Essay Research Paper The Scarlet
Scarletletter Symbolism Essay, Research Paper The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne uses many things for symbolism and in my opinion the most symbolic were the scaffold scenes. There are a total of three scaffold scenes and each has its own purpose and meaning. Without the scaffold scenes this book would basically leave you clueless to what was really going on because the scaffold scenes really tell you what is going on and why.
The Three Scaffold Scenes Of The Scarlett
Letter Essay, Research Paper The Scaffold In The Scarlet Letter, Hester committed adultery. The story deals with the revelation of her lover, the Reverend Dimmesdale. A significant part of the book is the scaffold which is a raised platform used as a place where people who have committed a crime and were forced to stand.
The Symbolism Of The Scarlet Letter
’s Pearl Essay, Research Paper The Scarlet Letter is a book of much symbolism. One of the most complex and misunderstood symbols in the book is Pearl, the daughter of Hester Prynne. Pearl, throughout the story, develops into a dynamic symbol – one that is always changing. In the following essay, I will explore some of the symbolism which Pearl came to represent throughout the novel.
Pointofview Cannery Row Essay Research Paper PointofViewBy
Point-of-view Cannery Row Essay, Research Paper Point-of-View By: Ryan Walsh In Cannery Row, John Steinbeck used the third person omniscient point-of-view. He could have used the first person point-of-view, but it wouldn’t have gotten his entire story across. He could have used third person limited, but then he wouldn’t have been able to tell about everything that was going on in Cannery Row.
Cannery Row Essay Research Paper In his
Cannery Row Essay, Research Paper In his book Cannery Row, John Steinbeck characterizes different qualities of life, and uses symbolism to express those qualities. Cannery Row is an emphasis on the importance of friendship, and how the hardships of life can be healthy in some ways.
Cannery Row Essay Research Paper Cannery RowIn
Cannery Row Essay, Research Paper Cannery Row In the novel, Cannery Row, many characters experience hardships and asperities throughout their lives in order to make a living. Two characters who works hard to make their lives worthwhile are a grocer Lee Chong and a scientist Doc. These two characters pose a great exemplary of hardworking and achievement.
Cannery Row Essay Research Paper In Cannery
Cannery Row Essay, Research Paper In Cannery Row by John Steinbeck, many various instances depict the importance of being included in society. Everyone longs to be accepted by others and being lonely is ultimately the worst feeling in the wrold. William, Henri, and Frankie all show the human need of being included in society.
The Living Symbol Of The Scarlet Letter
Essay, Research Paper The Living Symbol of the Scarlet LetterThe Scarlet Letter A, worn by Hester Prynne, was a punishment for the immoral sin of adultery she had committed. Hester was forced to wear the letter upon her bosom for the rest of her life. Following Hester’s act of adultery, she became pregnant with a baby girl whom she named Pearl. “Pearl was a born outcast of the infantile world.