The novella was inspired by a Mexican folk tale that Steinbeck heard during his travels. He adapted it into a story that feels both mythic and incredibly real. The universal appeal of the story lies in its examination of the "American Dream" transposed to a fishing village. Kino wants a rifle, an education for his son, and a wedding - things that seem simple but are radical for a man of his station. Reading the pearl pdf reveals how these desires twist Kino's perception of reality. The book serves as a critique of the idea that material success equates to happiness, a theme that resonates across cultures and generations.