* The Pearl itself: The pearl is the most obvious and powerful metaphor. It represents both hope and danger. It symbolizes the potential for wealth and escape from poverty, but also the destructive power of greed and the price of ambition.
* The Sea: The sea is a complex metaphor, representing both life and death. It is the source of sustenance for the people of La Paz, but also a dangerous and unpredictable force. It can be seen as a reflection of Kino's own life, with its moments of calm and its inevitable storms.
* The Scorpion: The scorpion that stings Kino's son represents the dangers and threats that surround the family. It signifies the evil that lurks in the world, and the dangers of clinging to wealth.
* The "evil" of wealth: Throughout the novel, Steinbeck uses phrases like "the evil thing" and "the thing that is evil" to refer to the pearl. This emphasizes the corrupting influence of wealth, and how it can turn people against each other.
* Kino's transformation: Kino's transformation from a humble pearl diver to a man consumed by greed is also a metaphor. It represents the dangers of succumbing to material desires and losing sight of what is truly important.
* The fight for survival: The struggle Kino and his family face to protect themselves and their newfound wealth is a metaphor for the struggle for survival faced by the marginalized and oppressed. The relentless pursuit by the trackers and the relentless pressure to sell the pearl represent the larger forces that threaten the poor and vulnerable.
These are just a few examples of the many metaphors employed by Steinbeck in "The Pearl." The novel's rich use of figurative language adds depth and complexity to the story, making it a powerful and enduring piece of literature.