The Pearl Chapter 4 Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

How did the pearl buyers get satisfaction out of their job?

The pearl buyers got satisfaction out of their job by the pearl hunt and if it is a man's function to break down a price, he could make the price as low as he wants.

How did the family prepare themselves for their trip into town?

The family prepared themselves for their trip into town by dressing up in nice clothes and bringing a leather bag to keep the pearl in.

How does Kino's conversation with Juan Tomas about the value of pearls further demonstrate the naivety of their people?

Kino's conversation with Juan Tomas about the value of pearls demonstrates the naivety of their people by saying they don't know the prices are paid in other places. They don't know if their price is fair.

How does the priest justify the loss of the townspeople's pearls? Why is it important that everyone fulfill their designated role in the universe?

The priest justifies the loss of the townspeople's pearls by saying it was a punishment visited on those who tried to leave their station. It's important that everyone fulfill their designated role in the universe because it could be dangerous if you don't. Signup and view all the answers

How does Steinbeck indirectly let us know that the pearl buyer is good at making other people like him?

The pearl buyer does whatever emotions he needs to gain people's trust and confidence. Signup and view all the answers

How does the buyer try and devalue Kino's pearl before he has even seen it?

The buyer tries to devalue Kino's pearl before he has even seen it by saying men sometimes bring in a dozen pearls. Signup and view all the answers

What is the dealer's opinion of the pearl?

The dealer's opinion of the pearl is that it is like 'fool's gold.' It's too large. Signup and view all the answers

Describe how each of the three other dealers tries to devalue Kino's pearl.

The first dealer devalues Kino's pearl by saying it's monstrous. The second dealer says the pearl is soft and chalky. The third dealer offers to purchase but only for half the amount of what the original buyer offered. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Juan Tomas afraid for Kino?

Juan Tomas is afraid for Kino because it could define the pearl buyers but the whole structure their society had been built upon. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to Kino when he leaves the hut? Describe his physical state after the incident is over.

Kino gets attacked by a shadowy figure after he leaves the hut. Blood oozed out of Kino's head and there was a deep cut from ear to chin. He was only half conscious. Signup and view all the answers

Why do you think Kino says the phrase, 'I am a man,' repeatedly?

Kino repeats 'I am a man' because he wanted to fight through all these troubles for his life. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Pearl Buyers' Satisfaction

Pearl buyers derive satisfaction from the excitement of pearl hunting and manipulating prices to their advantage.

Family Preparation for Town

The family dresses in their finest clothes and carries a leather bag to protect Kino's pearl during their trip to town.

Naivety About Pearl Values

Kino and Juan Tomas discuss pearl values, highlighting their community's ignorance regarding fair pricing in other areas, showing their unsophistication.

Priest’s Justification of Loss

The priest attributes the loss of pearls to a divine punishment for those seeking to change their social status, emphasizing the dangers of not adhering to one's societal role.

Trust-Building Abilities of Pearl Buyers

Pearl buyers skillfully adapt their emotions to gain the trust and confidence of sellers, showcasing their manipulative nature.

Devaluation Tactics of the Buyer

The pearl buyer attempts to devalue Kino's pearl preemptively by suggesting that multiple pearls are often brought in for sale.

Dealer's Opinion on Kino's Pearl

The dealer dismisses Kino's pearl as "fool's gold," claiming it is excessively large and therefore undesirable.

Tactics of Other Dealers

The first dealer calls the pearl monstrous; the second describes it as soft and chalky; the third offers half the price of the initial offer, all seeking to undermine Kino's confidence in its worth.

Juan Tomas' Concerns for Kino

Juan Tomas fears for Kino due to the potential threat the pearl and its buyers pose to their societal structure and Kino's safety.

Kino's Assault and Physical State

Leaving the hut, Kino is attacked, suffering a deep cut from ear to chin, resulting in blood loss and a state of semi-consciousness.

Kino's Assertion of Manhood

Kino's repeated declaration, "I am a man," reflects his resolve to confront challenges and assert his identity amidst adversity.

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Description

Test your understanding of Chapter 4 from 'The Pearl' with these flashcards. Each card presents key questions about the text, helping you to grasp the characters' motivations and preparations. Perfect for study sessions and comprehension checks.