The concept of "The Whole" is central to the community in La Paz. Steinbeck writes that the town is like a colonial animal, where news travels faster than boys can run. When Kino finds the pearl, the town's nervous system reacts with envy and greed. Understanding this collective antagonist is key to the novel. Students using the pearl pdf for research can analyze how the narrative shifts from Kino's individual perspective to the omniscient view of the town. This technique emphasizes that Kino is not just fighting individuals, but an entire social structure designed to keep him in his place.
