Virtue amongst the impoverished is certainly one common theme we are presented by John Steinbeck in both "The Pearl" and "Of Mice and Men". Never does the reader behold a wealthy character in either novel that possesses virtuous qualities; we are bombarded with greed, envy, hate and all things evil regarding particularly prosperous characters. Shown in a very real and perceptible light, Steinbeck's novels highlight the social division between the well to do and the …showed first 75 words of 762 total…

…showed last 75 words of 762 total…much to make them feel secure. It's those decent and virtuous people who honestly work hard to earn their keep that really are an inspiration to society. Undoubtedly, virtue does seem to be most prevalent amongst the not so wealthy and the general poor. It's almost as if they can be prosperous and fulfilled from their very own dreams so much that they don't need the materialistic luxuries that some strive to have and maintain.