"The Pearl" remains relevant in the digital age because it deals with the timeless nature of viral information and envy. Just as news of the pearl swept through the town, modern information spreads instantly, often with destructive results. Contemporary readers finding the pearl pdf can see parallels to modern fame and the sudden acquisition of wealth (like lottery winners). The devastating effect of sudden fortune on personal relationships is a story that repeats itself constantly in real life, making Steinbeck's 1947 novella feel surprisingly modern.