“Love is important in a family”. How is this shown in the novel you have read?
The novel that I have studied is ‘The Pearl’ by John Steinbeck. Through this novel, I believe that love is the main theme of this novel which is shown in Kino’s family. Kino, his wife, Juana and his son, Coyotito, has propel me to say that most of the actions and decisions which Kino make, are all in the name of love for his family. Therefore, I can strongly state that it is indeed true that love is important in a family.
Kino and Juana have shown love in their family right from the beginning of the novel. One good example is that they are very protective of their son, Coyotito. Coyotito, has been sting by a scorpion, causing the instinctive reaction of his parents. Kino, without any hesitation, took the scorpion in his hands and crushed it. He then proceeded to throw the scorpion to the floor and stamp it repeatedly until it is crushed. Juana on the other hand, took Coyotito in her arms and sucked his wound, trying her best to suck the scorpion’s poison out of her precious baby’s body. In this event, I believe that both Kino and Juana love their son with all their heart and is willing to save him regardless of their own safety. Kino and Juana are somewhat drawn together through their son and this, I believe, has made their love for each other stronger.
Another event that shows that love is important in a family is that Kino and Juana are willing to bring Coyotito to attend a doctor. Despite their underprivileged demeanor, they are daring enough to leave their lowly village and head towards the doctor’s house in town. Kino was doubtful about seeking the doctor but Juana is really determined to bring Coyotito there. Kino knows that going to consult the doctor is going to be very costly. Therefore, he brings along all that he has which are “eight small misshapen seed pearls” (page 11). At the doctor’s house, they are attended by the servant. As Kino is poor and do not have enough money to pay the doctor, the doctor has refuse his request. The servant was the bearer of bad news as he tells Kino that the doctor has gone out. Angry and disappointed, Kino hit the gate hard with his hand. I think that Kino and Juana are showing sacrificial love towards Coyotito as they are willing to give all they have just to seek medication from the doctor. This shows that love is needed to be willing enough to sacrifice all you have in order to save someone’s life.
Besides that, deep love is shown in Juana’s character towards her family. This love has made Juana a very faithful and loyal person which I think is essential in a family. Juana is able to stand by Kino throughout the story and is extremely faithful to him. Even though she attempts to destroy the pearl and is caught by Kino, she remains calm and still. She withstands Kino’s punches and kicks and did not resist which shows that she is submissive to her husband. After that, she realizes that she cannot live without Kino and will follow him no matter how he treats her. She then continues to treat Kino’s wounds after he is attacked. Another event where Juana shows her loyalty is when Kino suggests that Juana and Coyotito is to go to Loreto and Santa Rosalia without him. Juana, being a family-oriented person, refuses to go and insists that the family must always stay together. This shows that Juana cares more about her family than life itself as she is willing to follow Kino instead of protecting herself. I believe that loyalty is only around when love is present in any situation.
The presence of love can change the fate of any family because love brings with it numerous values and blessings. If there is no love, family would mean a lot less than what it is meant to be.
By: Trudy Ong
