Throughout the history of mankind, the lust for wealth has been the cause of wars, murders, and many types of criminal acts. In the story, "The Pearl" by John Steinbeck, the pearl started out as a sparkling jewel of splendor, and then evolved into a malignant growth of evil. The desire to possess it and the wealth that it represents, changes the lives of three law-abiding people, Juana, the Priest, and the doctor and ultimately destroys them.