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