The Native American Father’s Parenting Style in John Ernst Steinbeck’s The Pearl

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the parenting style of a Native American father named Kino in John Ernest Steinbeck's The Pearl. Through Kino, all the emotions common to humanity such as family satisfaction, the joy and excitement of finding a great treasure, the fear when family life is threatened, the anxiety of being hunted down, and the tragedy of losing a loved one are revealed. This research applied a qualitative descriptive method with a sociological approach to literature to reveal the relationship between the Native American father and the role of fathers. This research data is collected from the actions and words of the characters in the story. The research results indicate the important role of the Native American fathers played by Kino through the role of father thinking and behavior. Five paternal roles involving Kino's actions as a Native American father such as Kino as a provider, protector, decision- maker, educator, and foster mother are vividly reflected in this research.