What are some symbols used in The Pearl? What ideas are represented by these symbols?

The Pearl symbolizes the greed of man which inhabits his soul. It represents the illusion that quck wealth will make man happy. I always think of Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings" trilogy when I think of Steinbeck's "The Pearl". In the Lord of the Rings, the ring envelops the soul whoever has it. The ring brings power but it exacts a price. This price is indeed the soul of whoever chooses to use it. Similarly the Pearl exacts a price as well. It represents more money than Kino has ever seen. It also represents a lifestyle that he has never imagined. The pearl, however, becomes all that Kino cares about. It possesses his soul, his very being. Juana sees this but is powerless against its pull. So no, the pearl is not a good thing for Kino. It upsets the balance that he has had in his life. Kino covets the pearl even at the expense of his own family.

Kino feels that the "killing of a man was not so evil as the killing of a boat." His boat is a symbol of his livelihood and hence masculinity/identity.