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?
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What does Kino believe the pearl to be?
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Who says that the pearl had become his soul?
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Who disagrees with the idea of Kino selling the pearl?
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Where and when does the story take place?
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Describe the doctor.
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What is Kino's bulwark to starvation?
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How do Kino and the people in his village make a living?
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At the beginning of the story, Kino's mood when he wakes is?
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Kino's most valuable possession is?
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What does Kino do when he first sees the great pearl?
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What is the song of the family?
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What is the song of the enemy?
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What is the song of evil?
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What is the hanging box?
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How was Kino going to pay the doctor after seeing him the first time?
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Why does the doctor refuse to treat Coyotito?
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What was Kino's house made out of?
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Why does Kino use a heavy rock for diving?
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Why did Juana gather seaweed?
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Why did the other men in the canoes race toward Kino's canoe?
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For what did Juana pray?
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What secret method did Kino and other fishing people have?
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How long could Kino hold his breath when he dived?
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How big was the pearl he found?
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What connection does the King of Spain have with Chapter 2?
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What injury did Kino sustain in the night?
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What medicine did the doctor first give Coyotito?
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What medicine did the doctor give Coyotito second?
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What happened in the night to Kino and Juana?
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Why did the doctor ask Kino if he had the pearl in a safe place?
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Why did the doctor go to Kino's?
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Where did Kino first hide the pearl?
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Why did the priest go to Kino's house?
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Where did Kino put the pearl when he went to bed?
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When the doctor asked for pay, what did Kino say?
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How are the ants symbolic?
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What is the major conflict of the book?
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What point of view is the story told from?
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What are the pros and cons of destroying the pearl?
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How did Kino and Juana change after finding the pearl?
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What similes does Kino use to describe the pearl?
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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.