The introduction discussed about the male/female roles and characteristics, the importance of Coyotito's role, the changing value of the pearl and did mention about how Juan Tomas "knows that Kino has been cheated, but he also knows that they have all been cheated, through history." 
 I liked that aspect of the story best, though Steinbeck didn't seem to focus very much on it: the going-against-the-system bit. Rise up and rebel against it, and all of society squashes you back down.