Here's a breakdown of some examples:
* Metaphors and Similes:
* "The pearl was like a moon, a white and luminous moon, a pearl of great price." (This simile compares the pearl to a moon, emphasizing its beauty and value.)
* "Kino's head felt as if it were filled with smoke and flames, and the feeling moved out through his body, down his arms and legs." (This metaphor expresses the overwhelming emotion Kino feels upon discovering the pearl, using imagery of smoke and flames.)
* Personification:
* "The pearl, heavy and cold, was a thing of evil, a monster to be feared." (Here, the pearl is personified as a monster, highlighting the negative impact it has on Kino's life.)
* Symbolism:
* The pearl: Represents wealth, hope, and ultimately, the destructive nature of greed.
* The scorpion: Symbolizes the dangers and evils that lurk beneath the surface of life.
* The sea: Represents both beauty and danger, mirroring the fickle nature of fate.
These literary devices create powerful images and contribute to the story's deeper meaning. While they may not be conventional idioms, they are effective in conveying Steinbeck's message and adding richness to the narrative.
Furthermore, consider that Steinbeck's language in *The Pearl* is rooted in the speech patterns and idioms of the Mexican-American culture. This contributes to the authenticity of the setting and the characters.
To identify more specific examples, it's best to examine the text carefully and consider how Steinbeck's use of language contributes to the overall story and themes.