The Pearl: Themes of Violence and Displacement

Questions and Answers

What did Juana sneak out of the house to do?

throw the pearl away

Who did Kino hit and kick?

Juana

What did Juana find among the rocks in the moonlight along the path?

the pearl (after they thought it was lost)

What was the result of the scuffle between Kino and someone in the dark?

Kino killed a man Signup and view all the answers

Why did Kino and Juana have to be gone before daylight?

so no one would see them leave Signup and view all the answers

What had someone done to Kino's canoe?

poked a hole in the bottom of it Signup and view all the answers

What happened to Kino's house?

burned to the ground Signup and view all the answers

At whose house did Kino and Juana hide?

Juan Thomas Signup and view all the answers

Juan told people that Kino probably went to the sea and what happened to him?

he might have drowned Signup and view all the answers

What would cover Kino and Juana's tracks?

sand Signup and view all the answers

Why did Kino say the pearl has become his soul?

The pearl is his misfortune and his life. If he gives up his pearl, he gives up his dreams. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Juana follow Kino in his path even if she disagrees with him?

She sees him as half insane and half god. She can't imagine life without a man. A woman is less than a man in their culture. Signup and view all the answers

What three things make Kino become an outsider to the town?

<ol> <li>Kino punches Juana when she tries to throw away the pearl 2) Kino kills his attacker with a knife 3) Kino's canoe and brush house are destroyed</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Actions and Consequences

Juana attempts to throw the pearl away, seeking to rid themselves of its curse.
In a moment of desperation, Kino violently reacts by hitting and kicking Juana.
Juana later discovers the pearl among the rocks, contrary to their belief that it was lost.

Violence and Tragedy

A scuffle in the dark leads to Kino killing a man, showcasing the escalating violence in their lives.
The need for secrecy forces Kino and Juana to leave before dawn, ensuring no one witnesses their departure.

Destruction and Displacement

Kino's canoe is sabotaged with a hole, rendering it unusable and symbolic of their loss.
Their home is destroyed in a fire, further emphasizing the danger surrounding them.

Seeking Refuge

Kino and Juana find temporary shelter with Juan Thomas, a protective family member.
To mislead others, Juan Thomas speculates that Kino has drowned at sea.

Concealment and Survival

Sand covers their tracks, serving as a natural barrier to hidden escape routes.

The Pearl's Symbolism

Kino regards the pearl as his soul, equating its loss with the loss of his dreams and identity.
Despite its misfortune, the pearl remains central to Kino's aspirations and struggles.

Gender Dynamics

Juana follows Kino's path out of cultural reliance, viewing him as both irrational and divine.
The patriarchal culture dictates that a woman is lesser than a man, leading Juana to endure Kino's decisions despite her disagreements.

Alienation from Community

Kino's actions create a rift between him and the townspeople, marking him as an outsider.
His violent outburst towards Juana and the murder of his attacker isolate him further.
The destruction of their possessions solidifies their estrangement from their former life.

Description

This quiz explores the profound themes in John Steinbeck's 'The Pearl', including violence, tragedy, and the impact of greed on family dynamics. Analyze the characters' actions and their consequences as they navigate a dangerous world. Test your understanding of the text’s exploration of human nature and survival.