The Pearl

Comprehension check

What is a "colonial animal" as used on page 21? What is Steinbeck's purpose in comparing a town to a colonial animal?

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Steinbeck compares the town to a "colonial animal”. The town has become a separate entity from the indigenous people. Steinbeck says it has a "separate nervous system" I have always taken this to mean that the town operates separately from the values, beliefs and practices of the natives. Colonial powers often exploit whatever worth it can out of the struggling native people, just as it will try to do to Kino.