Final Answer:
At the novella's end, Kino throws the pearl back into the sea.
Step-by-step explanation:
In John Steinbeck's novella "The Pearl," Kino's decision to throw the pearl back into the sea is a poignant and symbolic act. Throughout the story, the pearl represents both the promise of wealth and the source of tragedy for Kino and his family. As Kino grapples with the destructive consequences that the pursuit of the pearl has brought upon him, he recognizes the futility of holding onto this material possession. By casting the pearl back into the sea, Kino rejects the corrupting influence of wealth and seeks to break free from the cycle of violence and greed that the pearl symbolizes.
This climactic moment underscores the theme of the destructive nature of unchecked ambition and the corrupting influence of wealth. Kino's realization that the pearl has brought only suffering and loss prompts him to reject the societal expectations tied to material success. The act of throwing the pearl into the sea is a symbolic renunciation of the destructive forces associated with greed, echoing the timeless theme that true happiness and fulfillment lie beyond the pursuit of material wealth.
Steinbeck's exploration of Kino's relationship with the pearl serves as a powerful commentary on human nature and the consequences of unchecked desire. By returning the pearl to the sea, Kino takes a decisive step towards reclaiming his agency and rejecting the destructive path that the pursuit of wealth has set him on, leaving readers with a powerful reflection on the complexities of human ambition and the true nature of value and happiness.