What is the symbolism of the Pearl?
The pearl elicits more and more greed on Kino’s part, as he begins to devote all his energies and possessions to protecting it (recalling the biblical parable of the pearl of great price). It thus comes to symbolize the destructive nature of materialism.
What is the theme of The Pearl by John Steinbeck?
In ”The Pearl” by John Steinbeck, the theme of the destructive power of greed is explored as the characters navigate their personal desires, destiny, and racism. We will explore the devastating effect of Kino’s sudden change from being poor but happy, to possibly instantly wealthy.
What happens in chapter 2 of the Pearl?
The canoe, an heirloom passed down to Kino from his paternal grandfather, is Kino’s sole asset in the world. Kino and Juana slide the canoe into the water, Juana climbs in, and Kino pushes the boat away from shore. Once Kino boards, the two begin paddling out to sea in search of pearls.
What race is the doctor in the Pearl?
The doctor A small-time colonial who dreams of returning to a bourgeois European lifestyle. The doctor initially refuses to treat Coyotito but changes his mind after learning that Kino has found a great pearl. He represents the arrogance, condescension, and greed at the heart of colonial society.
Does Juana die in the Pearl?
Juana is a strong, compatible, loving wife to Kino. They enjoy their life together with their son, Coyotito. When Coyotito is shot in her arms by trackers, Kino finally agrees to let Juana throw the pearl in the sea, but she defers to him once again.
Did Kino sell the pearl?
Juana nurses Kino and tells him that the pearl is evil, evil, evil. The next day, Kino goes to sell the pearl. Unfortunately for him, the pearl buyers are all colluding with each other. No one offers him more than a third of the pearl’s real value.
What happens when Kino tries to sell the pearl?
Kino counters that it’s worth fifty thousand. The dealer is fearful, but he hides it and tells Kino to go ask the other dealers independently (since they’re all working together to keep the offers very low). The next guy offers six hundred, so Kino snatches his pearl back and declares he will go sell it in the capital.
How big was the pearl Kino found?
Answer and Explanation: The pearl Kino finds is described as being significantly large: “It was as large as a sea-gull’s egg.
What is the pearl buyers trick?
The pearl buyer’s trick of rolling the coin through his fingers is symbolic of his “trickery” with money. Kino is aware that the pearlbuyers are in league with each other, but he decides to give them a try; perhaps they will unexpectedly give him a fair price.
What happens to make Juana want to throw away the pearl?
Again at the end of the chapter (chapter four), Juana wants to throw away the pearl because it is evil. He got angry, followed her, and beat her until he got the pearl back. What did Kino do when he figured out where she went? Someone attacked him and went through his clothes, then he stabbed and killed that person.
Why is Kino’s brother afraid of him?
Why is Kino’s brother afraid for him? His brother his afraid of him because he defied traditional custom by saying that he is going and saying no that starvation is the only thing to fear. Kino’s brother, Juan Tomas, is older and wiser.
What does Juan Tomas warn Kino about?
Juan Tomás warns Kino of the challenges of selling for a fair price without knowing what the pearl is worth in other towns. Juan Tomás reminds Kino of the agents who were supposed to sell pearls for the divers and then disappeared with the profits of their sale.
Why is Kino angry with Juana?
She had known he would be angry because she had suggested throwing the pearl away the night before, and he had said no, emphatically stating, “I am a man”, and vowing to fight for what was his.
How does Kino keep the Pearl safe?
As Juana stares at Coyotito with concern, Kino realizes that he has been careless in not guarding the pearl. Without delay, he wraps the pearl in a rag, digs a hole, and buries the pearl in a corner of the brush house, concealing the hiding place from view.