A Study On The Process Of Individuation Of Kino In The Pearl

The Nobel Prize-winning author John Steinbeck is remembered as one of the greatest and best-loved American writers of the twentieth century. His works are now believed to be influenced by Swiss psychologist C. G. Jung's theory by an increasing number of critics. The Pearl, one of Steinbeck's best short novels, well displaying the archetypal characters and pattern of individuation process, fully exemplifies such kind of influence. Based on that, this thesis aims to give a Jungian interpretation of the novella and explore Kino's individuation process.According to Jung, individuation is a process of psychological development and integration which progresses through clearly defined stages influenced by archetypes and ultimately leads to psychological wholeness or unity. Steinbeck applied this idea of individuation and archetypes to The Pearl, depicting a few archetypes which play different roles in Kino's individuation. Therefore, the thesis, on the one hand, deeply analyzes the archetypes that impede Kino's individuation process including the persona and shadow; on the other hand, it also offers a thorough analysis of archetypes that facilitate Kino's individuation process including anima, his wife Juana, and the wise old man, his brother Juan Tomas. Furthermore, the thesis conducts a detailed interpretation of the psychological stages of Kino's individuation process with the hero myth as a paradigm. It explores the stages through the pattern of voyage towards individuation and concludes that Kino returns to La Paz with a harmonious self, the ultimate archetype for individuation, the essence and fulfillment of individuation.Probing into The Pearl with Jung's individuation theory, the thesis affirms that Kino triumphs rather than being defeated as he was considered in general, and that the novella is very much a story of self-discovery and self-realization, which exhibits Steinbeck's defense for humanity. It is John Steinbeck's keen social sensitivity, acute perception in humanity and his connection with C. G. Jung's individuation theory that make The Pearl transcend folktale into a masterpiece.