Here's why:
* Focus on Place: The novel is deeply rooted in the specific setting of La Paz, Mexico, with Steinbeck vividly portraying the life and culture of the pearl divers and their community.
* Social Concerns: The novel explores themes of poverty, exploitation, and the corrupting power of wealth, all of which were common concerns of the Regionalist movement.
* Realism and Naturalism: The story is presented realistically, with characters that feel authentic and a natural, almost deterministic, view of fate.
* Emphasis on Local Color: The novel features specific details about the environment, customs, and language of the region, contributing to the overall atmosphere of the story.
While The Pearl can also be analyzed through other lenses like the American Dream or Existentialism, its strongest connection is to the American Regionalist movement.