ABSTRACT

John Steinbeck is one of the most influential writers of the United States in the twentieth Century.The Pearlis one of his masterpieces. The story relates the effects of a large and beautiful pearl on the lives of Kino and Juana. Kino intends to sell the pearl to become rich and to pay the doctor to treat his son. However, it brings evil and misfortune. In the end, he loses his hut and even his son. The Pearlis richinconnotation and can be interpreted from different perspectives. Itis a masterpiece of naturalism in that it illustrates Steinbeck’s view that the poor are unable to change their fates. It is also an outstanding work of feminism which portrays a rebellious woman called Juana. The Pearl can also be interpreted in terms of Indian ecological culture, the core of which is balance between man and nature. The interpretation of the themes of The Pearlis meant to help readers gain a better understanding of the story.

Key words: The Pearl; naturalism; feminism; Indian culture

CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

ABSTRACT

摘要

Chapter One INTRODUCTION-1

Chapter Two LITERATURE REVIEW-3

2.1 Research at Home and Abroad-3

2.2 The Significance of This Thesis-4

Chapter Three NATURALISTIC ELEMENTS IN THE PEARL-5

3.1  A Brief Introduction to American Naturalism-5

3.2  Naturalistic Elements in The Pearl-5

3.3  Naturalistic Elements Shown in Symbolism-6

Chapter Four FEMENIST IDEAS AS REFLECTED IN THE PEARL-8

4.1 Juana’s Rebellion-8

4.2 Juana’s Rational Attitude towards the Pearl-8

4.3 Juana’s Acquisition of Equal Status as Kino’s-9

Chapter Five INDIAN ECOLOGICAL CULTURE IN THE PEARL-11

5.1 Harmony between Man and Nature-11

5.2 Animism in The Pearl-12

5.3 Earth Mother in The Pearl-13

Chapter Six CONCLUSION-14

WORKS CITED-15