The Pearl - Chapters 1-4 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What happens to Coyotito in Chapter 1?

He gets stung by a scorpion.

As a result of Coyotito's problem in Chapter 1, what does Juana want to do?

Juana wants to take Coyotito to the doctor in the city.

What type of house do Kino and Juana live in?

A brush house; this represents their level of poverty.

What is Kino's profession?

Kino is a pearl diver. Signup and view all the answers

True or False: The doctor is a good, honest man.

False Signup and view all the answers

Kino's brother's name is _____________.

Juan Tomas. Signup and view all the answers

What does Juana do to help Coyotito after his accident?

Juana sucks out as much of the poison as she can, and creates a poultice to help with the swelling. Signup and view all the answers

Kino finds a pearl that is as big as a __________________.

Seagull's egg. Signup and view all the answers

The town's people and Kino label this pearl the pearl of the _______________.

World. Signup and view all the answers

True or False: Coyotito gets better right after Kino finds the pearl (without medical attention).

True Signup and view all the answers

What does the doctor do when he finds out Kino has this large pearl?

The doctor pays the family a visit and says that Coyotito is still sick. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when the doctor shows up at Kino's home, after Kino finds the pearl?

The doctor tells the family that Coyotito is still sick. Signup and view all the answers

What does the doctor give Coyotito to 'cure' him?

White powder, but Kino is very suspicious that the doctor has given him something else (like poison). Signup and view all the answers

After the doctor leaves, what happens to Kino in the middle of the night?

Someone tries to come and steal the pearl from his house, and Kino and the stranger get into a fight. During this fight, Kino stabs the stranger. Signup and view all the answers

How much money does the appraiser say he will give to Kino?

1000 Pesos. Signup and view all the answers

When Kino goes to sell the pearl, how many other appraisers show up?

Three appraisers. Signup and view all the answers

What does Kino plan to do with the pearl, after visiting the appraiser?

Kino plans to travel to the capital and sell the pearl there. Signup and view all the answers

At the end of Chapter 4, what happens to Kino?

Kino gets into another fight with a stranger over the pearl. Signup and view all the answers

At the end of Chapter 4, what does Juana want to do with the pearl?

Juana wants to throw it back into the sea; she feels that it is pure evil. Signup and view all the answers

What does Kino want to do with the money he earns from the pearl?

Buy a harpoon and rifle, get married to Juana, send Coyotito to school, buy new clothes. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chapter 1: The Accident

Coyotito is stung by a scorpion, creating urgency in Kino and Juana's lives.
Juana wishes to take Coyotito to a doctor in the city for treatment, highlighting her maternal instincts.
Kino and Juana live in a brush house, symbolizing their poverty and lack of resources.

Kino's Profession

Kino is identified as a pearl diver, a traditional occupation in their community that links to the story's central theme of wealth and aspiration.

The Doctor's Character

The doctor is portrayed as greedy and corrupt, in stark contrast to being a compassionate healer.

Family and Support

Kino's brother is Juan Tomas, providing a glimpse into Kino's family structure and support system.
Juana employs traditional remedies, sucking out poison from Coyotito’s sting and making a poultice for treatment.

Discovery of the Pearl

Kino discovers a pearl that resembles a seagull's egg in size, representing hope and potential riches.
The pearl is labeled the "pearl of the world" by townspeople, indicating its perceived value and the dreams associated with it.

Turning Point

Coyotito's unexpected recovery occurs after Kino finds the pearl, creating irony as they sought the pearl for his medical expenses.
The doctor arrives only after learning of the pearl's existence, claiming Coyotito remains ill, showing opportunism.

Suspicion and Violence

Kino is skeptical of the doctor’s treatment, believing he may have been poisoned.
A nocturnal theft attempt leads to Kino stabbing an intruder in defense of his newfound treasure, escalating tensions.

Appraisal and Ambition

Kino is offered 1,000 pesos by the appraiser, fueling his aspirations and dreams tied to the pearl.
Three appraisers come to examine the pearl when Kino seeks to sell it, illustrating manipulation by the townspeople.

Future Aspirations

Kino plans to take the pearl to the capital for a better price, showcasing his ambitions beyond his current situation.
After the appraisal, another struggle occurs over the pearl, underscoring its significance and the growing conflict it brings.

Juana's Discontent

Juana wishes to dispose of the pearl, believing it to be evil and detrimental to their family, indicating a clash between her intuition and Kino's dreams.
Kino dreams of using pearl profits to enhance their lives, including purchasing a harpoon, rifle, sending Coyotito to school, and formalizing his marriage to Juana.

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Explore key concepts and events from the first four chapters of John Steinbeck's 'The Pearl'. This quiz will help you understand the characters, their struggles, and the symbolism presented in the story. Test your knowledge and deepen your comprehension of these crucial chapters.