The Social Criticism of Indian in the Novel the Pearl by John Steinbeck

Abstract

The Social Criticism of Indian in the Novel The Pearl by John Steinbeck is concerned with social criticism on the disruption of the Indians‘ life in Southern America 1940s. They were found to have been unjustly treated and pressed by the European immigrants. This writing addresses criticisms on the social inequalities that emerge as a result of the presence of the immigrants. It is an attempt to address the Indians‘ struggle against the existing immigrants to overcome the economics of social conditions. Data were mainly obtained from related references as the secondary data and the novel The Pearl as its primary data. Other supporting documents were also taken to base the analysis. In doing so, the Structural Genetics approach that is the combination between fictional intrinsic elements such as the plot, character, setting, theme and the external aspect such as the author‘s social background and social reality of people was used. The result of this writing appears that the appearances of structural elements in the novel The Pearl depict the social, political, and economical conditions of Southern America in Mexico. John Steinbeck as the novel‘s author seemed to suggest the awakening of the Indians‘ struggle against social disruption due to the emergence of European immigrants. He insisted the Indians on organizing their struggle for better life. Key Words: Social criticism, Inequalities, Indians‟ struggle, Structural Genetic Approach