What starts out as a fortuitous discovery turns into exploitation, dishonesty, and tragedy. I don’t want to spoil anything, but the events following, however disheartening, culminate in a single shocking event that has left a huge impact on me ever since I first read the scene. It was unexpected (for me, anyway) and devastating, and the frenzied emotions that had bubbled up inside of me by that point truly made me feel. It’s the end of this short story that brings everything full circle, but the entire journey is truly an emotional ride.

While The Pearl is often overlooked by Steinbeck’s more famous novella Of Mice and Men, both tales are stunning reflections of the darkest aspects of human interaction, and I am so glad that both were in my school curriculum. The moral scrutiny that Steinbeck offers is nowhere near dominant enough to seem like he’s preaching, but he has a startling ability to deliver a concise, hard-hitting message every time.

Since Kino and his family are victims of their environment, both natural and social, I have created three looks based on the physical setting and its effects on the family: their humble home by the sea, the pearl itself, and the eventually menacing surroundings of the cliff-side cave. 

1. Perfect Among Mornings

“The dawn came quickly now, a wash, a glow, a lightness, and then an explosion of fire as the sun arose out of the gulf. Kino looked down to cover his eyes from the glare… It was a morning like other mornings and yet perfect among mornings” (Steinbeck). 

Product Info: Dress – Lulu’s, Cardigan – H&M, Shoes – Rainbows, Bag – Forever 21, Sunglasses – Moddeals 

This scene comes right at the beginning of the book, and is a bit like the calm before the storm. It depicts the content, everyday lifestyle of Kino and Juana, who have woken up right before dawn, which allows them to enjoy the bright colors of the rising sun above the water. This comes right before the first major conflict of the story, in which a scorpion stings their baby Coyotito right before their eyes, and destroys that image of the perfect morning.