The Pearl Analysis

Questions and Answers

What did the news of the pearl make the priest, shopkeepers, the doctor, the beggars, and the pearl buyers think about?

Priest thought about repairing his past connections with Kino and Juana; shopkeepers considered selling unsold clothing to them; the doctor reflected on his life in Paris; beggars realized a poor man becoming lucky is the best almsgiver; and pearl buyers thought of the pearl as a potential new start.

What did Kino and Juana think about everyone sharing their joy, and what was really happening?

Kino and Juana believed everyone shared their joy, but in reality, everyone was thinking about how to use the pearl and feeling jealous of Kino.

To what evils does Steinbeck compare the evil growing in the town?

Steinbeck compares it to a scorpion, hunger, and loneliness.

What metaphor compares a snake to the town?

'The poison sacs of the town.' Signup and view all the answers

What things did Kino see in the future when he looked into the pearl?

A proper wedding, baptism for Coyotito, a harpoon, a rifle, new clothes, and education for Coyotito. Signup and view all the answers

What makes man superior to animals?

Humans are never satisfied. Signup and view all the answers

What is so important about Coyotito going to school?

Kino and Juana are exploited by Spaniards because they are ignorant. If Coyotito learns to read, he will be able to discern the truth and prevent further victimization. Signup and view all the answers

How is the pearl changing Kino's personality?

Kino is becoming paranoid, unkind, lacking compassion, dissatisfied, greedy, more articulate, angry, suspicious, protective, and trusts no one. Signup and view all the answers

How does the doctor trick Kino and Juana, and what does he really give the baby?

The doctor pretends Coyotito is still sick, but he is already cured. He gives a 'medicine' that makes Coyotito sick and then returns with another medicine to 'cure' him. Signup and view all the answers

What happened in the middle of the night, and how did Juana react?

Someone came into their house and dug through the soil looking for the pearl. Kino chased them but got hit in the head. Juana believed the pearl was evil and wanted to throw it back in the sea or break it. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Impact of the Pearl on Various Characters

The priest reflected on past responsibilities, considering if he had blessed Kino's family.
Shopkeepers viewed the pearl as an opportunity to sell unsold inventory to Kino and Juana.
The doctor reminisced about his luxurious life in Paris, igniting his greed.
Beggars recognized that a lucky poor man could attract envy and hostility.
Pearl buyers speculated on the pearl's potential to signify a new beginning and possibly replacing their own patron.

Misinterpretations of Joy

Kino and Juana believed their happiness was universally shared, but others harbored envy and self-interest regarding the pearl.

Steinbeck's Comparisons of Evil

The growing evil in the town was likened to a scorpion, symbolizing danger and impending harm.
Other comparisons included hunger and loneliness, illustrating the pervasive suffering in society.

Metaphor of the Town

The town was metaphorically described as having "poison sacs," suggesting underlying malice and toxicity.

Kino's Vision for the Future

When Kino gazed into the pearl, he envisioned:
- A proper wedding and baptism for Coyotito.
- Acquisition of tools like a harpoon and a rifle.
- New clothing and education opportunities for his son.

Human Nature vs. Animal Instincts

The notion that humans are never satisfied and continuously yearn for more sets them apart from animals.
Two perspectives emerged: one agrees that ambition drives human dissatisfaction, while the other advocates for gratitude over constant desire.

Importance of Coyotito's Education

Kino and Juana's exploitation stemmed from their ignorance.
Coyotito's education would empower him to discern truth and protect his family from manipulation.

Kino's Personality Transformation

The pearl has caused Kino to become:
- Paranoid and unkind, exhibiting a lack of compassion.
- Greedy, dissatisfied, and increasingly aggressive.
- Distrustful of those around him, becoming protective over the pearl.

The Doctor's Deception

The doctor feigned concern for Coyotito's health, despite the baby's actual recovery.
He administered a fabricated "medicine" to further weaken Coyotito, intending to profit from the family's desperation.

Midnight Intrusion

A home invasion occurred where someone sought to steal the pearl, leading to Kino's injury.
Juana perceived the pearl as evil and desired to discard it, fearing its negative influence on their lives.

Description

Explore John Steinbeck's 'The Pearl' through its impact on various characters and the misinterpretations of joy. Delve into the metaphors and comparisons of evil that illuminate the struggles of Kino and Juana, as well as the society around them. This quiz will challenge your understanding of the themes and symbols within the text.