The Pearl: Hope, Destruction, and the Human Condition

Summer will soon end and come fall, let’s take a deep dive into John Steinbeck’s 1947 masterpiece, The Pearl. It’s a parable (only 90 pages) that focuses on how quickly fortune can turn into tragedy. We’ll study it as it was written and also look at it through a 21st-century lens. We’ll dig into the themes of prejudice, fate vs. free will and greed. We’ll even make references to Shakespeare and the Bible! Let’s enjoy this fast-paced, symbolic tale together with plenty of opportunity for class discussion.

Vince Burks worked for Amica Insurance for over 37 years holding various positions including Director of Training and Communications Director. He is a huge fan of John Steinbeck and The Pearl. He remembers reading it decades ago and “the book hangover” he felt at the ending. Perhaps he’s teaching this class to try and remedy that hangover through discussion. Vince holds a B.A. in Communications with a minor in Business Administration from Lynchburg University. He is a member of the National Speakers Association and an active participant in The Moth Storytelling events, which you may be familiar with if you’re a fan of NPR.