One's Purpose

One's purpose in life is not to watch their own back, but to help others. This is because you might need that person to return your favor later on. Also, when you leave or die, you would want people to remember good things about you. If you are rude to people and only look out for yourself, you will find yourself as your own friend. There are a few exceptions to this rule however. For example, one may look out for themselves and others at the same time. It is still important, though to not put yourself as number one always.

Scrooge's Diary

December 24, 1843

Today was filled with nothing but the tingle of frost on my nose and jolly people asking for donations for the poor. I walked in to my work (“Scrooge and Marley’s”) only to acquire a visit from a man wanting money. He told me it was to give to the poor. Well it is one’s fault if one is poor! Then my nephew came over to wish me a merry Christmas. How can anyone with his social status be so gay when they have bills to pay and no money for them? I simply said “BAH! Humbug!” to his response that he fell in love and that Christmas is about family. How is one supposed to believe such nonsense?




-SCROOGE

The Pearl

In The Pearl, you learn about the pearl's symbolism as hope from the reactions it evokes. The pearl brought out the human characteristic of hope in Kino. He dreams about the improved future that he could guarantee his family with the pearl's guidance. Juana showed the human characteristic of caution when the pearl was found. She suspected trouble from the very beginning and she told Kino that he should just throw the pearl out before it takes over his whole life. The neighbors of Kino showed the human trait of envy. Everyone wanted the great gem of the sea and all swarmed around Kino and his pearl like rats in the sewer. The townspeople showed the human trait of curiosity by following Kino where ever he went with his precious pearl. The pearl brought out the human trait of greed in the doctor. Before Kino had the pearl, the doctor was not willing to help Coyotito, but as soon as he heard of Kino finding this treasure, the doctor was practically begging to help him…in exchange for the pearl, of course. Finally, the pearl revealed the human trait of imperfection in the priest. Even though the priest was a very holy man, he still had flaws. He wanted the pearl. He wanted to marry Kino and Juana and baptize their son in exchange for that valuable treasure. Even though The Pearl is just a story, the same human qualities can often be revealed when a fortune is present.