The dictatorial political system of Kafira is an epitome of many African governments. This kind of government, which is very conservative, is characterized by oppression to human rights, both social and political. This is clearly seen in the text, ‘Betrayal in the City’ where any individual who tries to speak his mind is either jailed unconstitutionally or is killed.

When Kino finds what is considered the greatest pearl, he believes life will be so good for his family. He plans to sell it and use the money to pay for a church wedding for himself and Juana, to send his son Coyotito to school, to buy the family new clothes, buy a new harpoon, buy a rifle and a lot of other things unfortunately, all these dreams and expectations are killed by the extreme selfishness that drives most of the towns people to want the pearl for themselves. (Accept any other relevant introduction)

​Some people are not satisfied with what they have and want more all the time. Leo Toistay’s short story “How much land does man need? Is a clear illustration of this.

Azdak believed the written law was a tool of the rich to oppress the poor and the working class. He offers social justice that trashes the written law. In The Caucasian Chalk Circle by Bertolt Brecht judge Azdak is a poor man’s judge as he robs the rich to give to the poor.

Blood is thicker than water has clearly been justified in this story, through the narrator who stands by the   elder sister throughout her illness in the story.
 
She hardly leaves her sister’s side and goes through the emotional trauma caused by the strange illness with her. She holds hands, keeps her company and even drops out of school to be with her.

Symbolism is a useful tool in story telling because it helps the author add a deeper meaning to the story.
Kino views the pearl as the blessing of a lifetime. At first the pearl is a symbol of freedom. Kino and his family could finally be freed from the oppression of poverty and a meagre existence. This means beautiful wedding for his wife and education for his son.

So many ills are propagated in the current society simply because a majority of people have chosen to be silent and do nothing about problems facing them. The perpetrations of such ills are left to go scot free. 

​We have those that we think are our friends and we keep them informed and as part of our lives, yet they are our enemies and don’t have much interest in us.