Why does the pearl turn gray at the end of the story? This transformation is a popular topic for literary essays. Initially, the pearl is luminous and full of promise, but as Kino's soul darkens with violence, the pearl reflects his inner state. It becomes a "gray, ulcerous" thing. To fully grasp this symbolism, reading the text closely is required. Many readers opt for the pearl pdf to have the text available on tablets or laptops for annotation. The physical change in the pearl mirrors the psychological change in Kino, proving that value is subjective and often illusory.