Questions and Answers
Who is the author of The Pearl?
John Steinbeck
In what year was The Pearl published?
1947
What is The Pearl based on?
The parable in the Bible in Matthew 13: 45-46
In what village does the story of The Pearl take place?
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Who is Kino?
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Who is Juana?
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Who is Coyotito?
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Who is Juan Tomas?
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Who is Apolonia?
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Who is the doctor?
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Who is the priest?
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Who are the trackers?
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Who are the pearl buyers?
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Who gave Kino his canoe?
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Kino wishes to buy what with the money from the pearl?
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Kino and Juana live in a house made of what?
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Who treats Coyotito at first when he is stung? And how?
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What do Kino and Juana eat for breakfast?
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What song does Kino hear in the morning while Juana is making breakfast?
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The pearl buyers reject the pearl thinking it is a what?
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When Kino and Juana are leaving town, at what time do they travel?
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How is a real pearl formed?
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Study Notes
Author and Publication
- John Steinbeck is the author of The Pearl, published in 1947.
Inspiration and Setting
- The narrative is based on a Biblical parable from Matthew 13: 45-46, emphasizing the value of precious things.
- The story unfolds in La Paz, Mexico, enriching its cultural backdrop.
Main Characters
- Kino: A dedicated pearl diver, husband to Juana, and father to Coyotito, embodying struggle and perseverance.
- Juana: Kino's wife, characterized by her practicality and intuition about the dangers posed by the pearl.
- Coyotito: Their infant son, afflicted by a scorpion sting, symbolizes innocence and vulnerability.
- Juan Tomas: Kino's older brother, representing rationality and support during troubled times.
- Apolonia: Wife of Juan Tomas, offering familial connection within the story.
Supporting Characters
- The Doctor: A greedy and selfish physician who initially denies treatment to Coyotito but acts when the pearl's value is known.
- The Priest: An immoral figure hiding behind his religious role, seeking Kino's money derived from the pearl.
- The Trackers: Three violent men pursuing Kino and Juana, motivated by greed for the pearl.
- The Pearl Buyers: Corrupt individuals who exploit Kino, operating under a deceptive master.
Key Events and Symbols
- Kino inherits his canoe from previous generations, symbolizing cultural heritage and connection to his ancestors.
- His desire to buy a rifle reflects aspirations for power and protection against impending threats.
- Kino and Juana reside in a brush house, illustrating their modest lifestyle.
- Initially, Juana attempts to treat Coyotito's sting by using her mouth to suck out the poison, showcasing maternal care.
Daily Life and Culture
- For breakfast, Kino and Juana eat corncakes, a staple of their diet.
- In the morning, Kino hears the Song of Family, representing unity and love among them.
Plot Developments
- When faced with selling the pearl, it is dismissed by buyers as a curiosity, highlighting their dishonesty.
- As Kino and Juana eventually leave town, they choose to travel at night, indicating a desire for secrecy and safety.
Natural Phenomena
- A real pearl is formed from a grain of sand, suggesting both the beauty and challenges in creating something valuable from hardship.
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Description
This set of flashcards is designed to help you review key concepts and facts about John Steinbeck's novella, The Pearl. Test your understanding of the author, publication date, and underlying themes related to the story. Use these cards to reinforce your knowledge before your unit test.
