Why is the town like a nervous system In the pearl?

Answer 1

In John Steinbeck's "The Pearl," the town functions like a nervous system because it reacts collectively to the events surrounding Kino and his discovery of the pearl. The townsfolk's gossip, fear, and greed create a ripple effect that influences individual behaviors and decisions, much like how a nervous system transmits signals throughout the body. As Kino's fortunes change, the town's collective emotions and reactions intensify, showcasing the interconnectedness of the community and the impact of external stimuli on its members. This dynamic underscores the themes of social pressure and the consequences of ambition within the narrative.