The Pearl Chapters 1-3 Summary Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What were Kino's people once known for?

songs

What happens to Coyotito at the beginning of the story?

He is stung by a scorpion.

Who knows everything that happens in the town and were gathered outside the church?

The beggars.

Who is Juan Tomas?

Kino's brother who goes with him to the doctor. Signup and view all the answers

What does Kino believe the pearl to be?

The pearl of the world. Signup and view all the answers

Who says that the pearl had become his soul?

Kino. Signup and view all the answers

Who disagrees with the idea of Kino selling the pearl?

The priest. Signup and view all the answers

Where and when does the story take place?

Mexico - The early 1900s. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the doctor.

Greedy; refers to poor people as animals and Indians. Signup and view all the answers

What is Kino's bulwark to starvation?

His canoe. Signup and view all the answers

How do Kino and the people in his village make a living?

Fishing; pearl diving. Signup and view all the answers

At the beginning of the story, Kino's mood when he wakes is?

Happy with how things are. Signup and view all the answers

Kino's most valuable possession is?

A canoe that was his grandfather's. Signup and view all the answers

What does Kino do when he first sees the great pearl?

He lets out a big howling sound. Signup and view all the answers

What is the song of the family?

The song he hears when Kino's wife is preparing breakfast; it means safety, warmth. Signup and view all the answers

What is the song of the enemy?

The song of evil Kino hears when he sees the scorpion biting his son. Signup and view all the answers

What is the song of evil?

The song Kino hears after seeing the doctor. Signup and view all the answers

What is the hanging box?

The baby's cradle. Signup and view all the answers

How was Kino going to pay the doctor after seeing him the first time?

With worthless seed pearls. Signup and view all the answers

Why does the doctor refuse to treat Coyotito?

Kino had no money. Signup and view all the answers

What was Kino's house made out of?

Brush. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Kino use a heavy rock for diving?

To take him down in the water quickly when diving. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Juana gather seaweed?

To treat Coyotito's scorpion bite. Signup and view all the answers

Why did the other men in the canoes race toward Kino's canoe?

They heard him yell because he was happy. Signup and view all the answers

For what did Juana pray?

For Kino to find a pearl so they could pay the doctor to heal their son. Signup and view all the answers

What secret method did Kino and other fishing people have?

Putting a coating on their canoes. Signup and view all the answers

How long could Kino hold his breath when he dived?

2 minutes. Signup and view all the answers

How big was the pearl he found?

Size of a seagull's egg. Signup and view all the answers

What connection does the King of Spain have with Chapter 2?

He used pearls from the pearl beds that Kino visits. Signup and view all the answers

What injury did Kino sustain in the night?

He was hit in the head. Signup and view all the answers

What medicine did the doctor first give Coyotito?

Medicine to make him sick. Signup and view all the answers

What medicine did the doctor give Coyotito second?

Medicine to counteract first medicine and make him feel better. Signup and view all the answers

What happened in the night to Kino and Juana?

Someone tried to break in to steal the pearl. Signup and view all the answers

Why did the doctor ask Kino if he had the pearl in a safe place?

So that Kino would look to the place he hid the pearl. Signup and view all the answers

Why did the doctor go to Kino's?

Because he heard about the pearl and he wanted some of the money. Signup and view all the answers

Where did Kino first hide the pearl?

He dug a hole and hid it. Signup and view all the answers

Why did the priest go to Kino's house?

Because he heard about the pearl and wanted some of the money for the church. Signup and view all the answers

Where did Kino put the pearl when he went to bed?

Under his sleeping mat. Signup and view all the answers

When the doctor asked for pay, what did Kino say?

He would pay him after he sold the pearl. Signup and view all the answers

How are the ants symbolic?

Big black ants are the rich and the little dusty are poor; it foreshadows trouble for Kino trying to escape the powerful people. Signup and view all the answers

What is the major conflict of the book?

Poor vs. Rich. Signup and view all the answers

What point of view is the story told from?

Third person omniscient. Signup and view all the answers

What are the pros and cons of destroying the pearl?

Son couldn't go to school Signup and view all the answers

How did Kino and Juana change after finding the pearl?

Kino became more violent and distrustful; Juana became more fearful and lost hope. Signup and view all the answers

What similes does Kino use to describe the pearl?

Perfect as the moon; large as a seagull's egg. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Characters and Relationships

Kino is the protagonist, deeply connected to his cultural heritage through songs and traditions.
Juana is Kino's wife, who plays a crucial role in caring for their son and navigating the challenges presented by the pearl.
Coyotito is Kino and Juana's infant son, who suffers from a scorpion sting early in the story.
Juan Tomas is Kino's supportive brother, who accompanies him to seek help from the doctor.

Major Events

Coyotito is stung by a scorpion, prompting Kino and Juana to seek medical assistance.
The doctor, who is depicted as greedy and condescending, initially refuses to treat Coyotito because Kino has no money.
Kino discovers the "Pearl of the World," which he believes holds the potential to change their fortunes.
Kino's joyful reaction to the pearl contrasts with the immediate danger it brings, as he is attacked and injured in the night following its discovery.

Themes and Symbolism

The struggle between the poor and the wealthy is a central conflict, illustrated by Kino's anger at the doctor and societal injustices.
The pearl symbolizes both hope for a better future and the potential for greed and destruction.
Songs play a significant role in reflecting Kino's internal emotions; the "song of the family" signifies comfort, while the "song of evil" embodies his fears and misfortunes.

Setting

The story takes place in early 20th century Mexico, highlighting the socio-economic divides between classes.

Important Objects

Kino's canoe represents survival and a means to provide for his family through fishing and pearl diving.
The hanging box serves as a cradle for Coyotito, symbolizing familial love and care.
The pearl itself represents both opportunity and impending conflict.

Character Development

Kino becomes increasingly distrustful and violent as the story progresses, reflecting how the pearl's influence corrupts his character.
Juana grows fearful and loses hope, sensing the dangers surrounding their newfound wealth.

Conflicts

The primary conflict revolves around Kino's struggle with the powerful elite who wish to exploit his find, juxtaposed with his desire to secure a better life for his family.
The moral dilemmas that arise from the pearl lead to tension between Kino's aspirations and the threats to his family's safety.

Foreshadowing and Symbolism

Ants are symbolic, representing the divide between rich and poor, hinting at the conflicts that will arise due to Kino's pursuit of wealth.

Narrative Perspective

The story is told from a third-person omniscient viewpoint, allowing insight into various characters' thoughts and backgrounds, enriching the narrative.

Moral Considerations

The decision to destroy the pearl presents both pros (safety from greed and violence) and cons (loss of opportunity and means for healing).

Cultural Context

Kino's world is deeply intertwined with his heritage; traditional songs and community ties are vital to his identity. The clash with colonial figures (such as the doctor) underscores a broader commentary on social inequalities.

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Description

This quiz provides a summary of the first three chapters of 'The Pearl' by John Steinbeck. Ideal for reviewing key plot points and characters, these flashcards will help reinforce your understanding of the story's beginning. Test your knowledge of Kino, Coyotito, and notable events as they unfold.