Is the pearl a symbol of hope or destruction?

Outwardly the pearl is a symbol of hope but the power that the great pearl has over the hearts of men is much more sinister. The pearl destroys the life of Kino and his family. Men covet the pearl. Kino will do anything to defend his right to it and he pays the highest price for it: the death of his infant son. The pearl becomes a symbol of greed and finally destruction.