1. Poverty and wealth: Steinbeck juxtaposes the extreme poverty of Kino and his family with the lavish wealth of the pearl buyers and the town's elite. This contrast emphasizes the stark inequalities and social injustices that exist within the community.
2. Hope and despair: The novella alternates between moments of hope and despair for Kino and Juana. This juxtaposition keeps the reader on edge and highlights the unpredictable nature of life and the fragility of human dreams.
3. Beauty and violence: Steinbeck juxtaposes the beauty of the natural world with the violence and cruelty that take place in the story. This contrast serves to emphasize the harsh realities of life and the destructive power of greed.
4. Good and evil: Steinbeck creates a juxtaposition between the good and evil that exists within human nature. Characters like Kino and Juana represent the potential for goodness, while characters like the pearl buyers and the town's elite embody the destructive power of greed and selfishness.
5. Tradition and modernity: Steinbeck juxtaposes traditional beliefs and practices with the influences of modernity and materialism. This contrast highlights the tension between preserving cultural heritage and the allure of material possessions.
6. Dreams and reality: The novella often juxtaposes Kino's dreams and aspirations with the harsh reality of his circumstances. This contrast underscores the difficulty of achieving one's goals and the challenges faced by those living in poverty.
7. Light and darkness: Steinbeck uses contrasting imagery of light and darkness to symbolize hope and despair, joy and sorrow, and the shifting nature of human emotions and circumstances.
By employing juxtaposition in these various ways, Steinbeck creates a rich and multifaceted narrative that explores complex social, moral, and psychological themes, adding depth and complexity to the story of Kino and his pursuit of the pearl.