Activity Overview
Valuable aspects of any literary work are its themes, symbols, and motifs. Part of the Common Core ELA standards is to introduce and explain these complex concepts. However, abstract ideas are often difficult for students to anatomize without assistance. Using a storyboard, students can visually demonstrate their understanding of these concepts, and master analysis of literary elements. For best practices, see our article with specific lesson plan steps on setting up your classroom and activities to teach themes, symbols, and motifs.
In the classroom, students can track the rich symbolism Steinbeck uses throughout the novel.
Themes, Motifs, and Imagery to Look for and Discuss
Greed/Money
The saying goes, “Money is the root of all evil”, and it is not an exception in The Pearl. As Kino seeks to gain wealth from the pearl, the thought of what riches it brings makes him lose sight of what is truly most important in life. Not only does it change Kino by turning him into a destructive murderer, but it also changes the people around him. Villagers who were once his friend became jealous and greedy, stopping at nothing—including burning his home—to get the pearl.
Fate
Fate is an universal theme that often lends itself to understanding a person’s destiny. While events happen that seem to be random and out of a person's control, these events change their life. Even actions of their own doing have great effects and outcomes. However, it is fate that lends us the thematic idea that our lives are not controlled by chance, but rather by a predetermined fate. In the end, a series of coincidences leads to the tragic death of Coyotito even after he had already escaped death once. The reader is left to believe that his death was inevitable.
The Pearl
Throughout the novel, the pearl lends itself to being a complex and complicated symbol. From the exposition to the climax, the pearl’s meaning changes. In the beginning it seems to symbolize fate, fortune, and good luck. However, by the end it is coveted and represents all the evil and greed in the world. Breaking the symbol down further the reader can see the pearl as fate itself. Grown from a piece of sand lying on the ocean floor, its existence purely happened by chance. However, due to its rarity, a monetary value was assigned to it, making it a materialistic item.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that identifies recurring themes in The Pearl. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the theme(s) from The Pearl you wish to include and replace the "Theme 1" text.
- Create an image for the example(s) that represents this theme.
- Write a description of each of the examples.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | Needs Improvement | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Identification of Theme(s), Symbol(s), and/or Motif(s) | All themes are correctly identified as important recurring topics or messages in the story. Symbols are correctly identified as objects that represent something else at a higher level in the story. Motifs are correctly identified as important recurring features or ideas in the story. | Most themes are correctly identified, but others are missing or incomplete. Most symbols are correctly identified, but some objects are missing or incomplete. Some motifs are correctly identified, but others are missing or incomplete. | Most themes are missing, incomplete, or incorrect. Most symbols are missing, incomplete, or incorrect. Most motifs are missing, incomplete, or incorrect. | No themes, symbols, or motifs are correctly identified. |
| Examples and Descriptions | Quotes and examples are accurate to the theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s) that are being identified. Descriptions accurately explain the theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s) and highlight their significance to the story. | Most quotes and examples are accurate to the theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motifs that are being identified. Descriptions mostly accurately explain the theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s), and highlight their significance to the story. | Most quotes and examples are minimal, incorrect, or unrelated to the theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s) that are being identified. Descriptions contain inaccuracies in their explanations, or do not highlight their significance to the story. | Examples and descriptions are missing or too minimal to score. |
| Depiction | Depictions chosen for theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s) are accurate to the story and reflect time, effort, thought, and care with regard to placement and creation of the scenes. | Depictions chosen for theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s) are mostly accurate to the story. They reflect time and effort put into placement and creation of the scenes. | Depictions chosen for theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s) are inaccurate to the story. The depictions may be rushed or show minimal effort, time, and care put into placement and creation of the scenes. | Most depictions are missing too many elements or are too minimal to score. Little time or effort has been put into placement and creation of the scenes. |
| English Conventions | There are no errors in spelling, grammar, or mechanics throughout the storyboard. All writing portions reflect careful proofreading and accuracy to the story. | There are a few errors in spelling, grammar, and mechanics throughout the storyboard. All writing portions show accuracy to the story and some proofreading. | There are several errors in spelling, grammar, and mechanics throughout the storyboard. Most writing portions do not reflect proofreading or accuracy to the story. | Errors in spelling, grammar, and mechanics in writing portions of the storyboard seriously interfere with communication. |
How To Explain the Development of Greed as a Theme in The Pearl
Discuss Greed in General
Discuss the topic of greed generally before working towards the actual lesson. Ask students what they know about greed, share any opinions and thoughts on the topic, and any examples they have in mind from their experience. Provide the students with the required context for future references.
Analyze “Greed” in Story
Help the students analyze how the theme of greed has been used in the story. Students can also discuss the concept of greed they have come across in any other stories and relate it to this story. For instance, stories with Greed as the main theme always serve as a lesson for the characters as well as the readers.
Discuss the Development of Narrative
Discuss with the students how the narrative develops and its relationship with themes and characters. Students can compare all these developments with each other and find out the common links and their significance. This connection serves a crucial role in the development of any story and helps the readers connect the dots.
Make Theme Charts
Besides the theme of Greed, students can identify and analyze other themes present in the narrative. Viewing the themes from a holistic point of view will help the students gain new insights, enhance understanding, and make connections among the themes. Students can make theme charts to understand these connections and use graphic organizers to map out the information.
Finish with a Moral Lesson
Ask the students to write a summary of the lesson they learned about the hazards of greed and its potential for bad outcomes. Insist on the value of cherishing what you have and valuing relationships over material possessions. Students can also talk about what they learned from the story and how it has helped them gain a new perspective.
Frequently Asked Questions About Themes, Symbols, and Motifs in The Pearl
What are some central ideas at the heart of the story?
The corrupting influence of money and greed, the value of love and family, the role of fate, and the harsh truth of social injustice are a few of the major themes in "The Pearl." Students can reflect on these themes individually and collectively to enhance their understanding of the story.
How have social injustice and inequality been exemplified in the story?
The difference between the rich and the impoverished in the community exemplifies social inequality. The narrative emphasizes how pursuing material prosperity may amplify already existing inequalities and spark conflict. For instance, the only reason Kino and Juana wanted to find something extraordinary was to save the life of their only son.
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