RESPONSES CHAPTERS 1-6

Chapter One

1. Explain why Kino’s wife Juana usually wakes up before him.
   • Juana wakes up early to prepare for the day and care for the family. Her routine reflects her nurturing role and the need to manage their household tasks before Kino begins his day.
2. Describe the tone of the pearl in Chapter One.
   • The tone of the pearl in Chapter One is one of hope and beauty, but it is also ominous. It symbolizes Kino’s dreams and aspirations for a better life but hints at the dangers and greed that will follow.
3. List the evidence of beliefs in superstition portrayed in Chapter One.
   • Juana’s use of traditional remedies and her belief in the power of songs reflect superstitious elements. The scorpion is also seen as an ominous sign, representing bad luck and impending danger.
4. Outline the characteristics of characters in Chapter One of The Pearl.
   • Kino: Determined and hopeful, he dreams of a better future for his family.
   • Juana: Caring and practical, she is protective of Coyotito and wary of the pearl’s potential dangers.
   • Coyotito: Innocent and vulnerable, he represents the family’s hopes.
   • The Doctor: Greedy and prejudiced, he embodies the societal divide between the wealthy and the poor.
5. What is Juana’s greatest weakness in Chapter One?
   • Juana’s greatest weakness is her strong attachment to traditional beliefs, which can make her resistant to change or new ideas, as seen in her hesitation about the pearl’s potential.
6. Who is the narrator of The Pearl?
   • The narrator is a third-person omniscient narrator, providing insights into the thoughts and feelings of multiple characters, particularly Kino and Juana.
7. Why does the doctor refuse to treat Coyotito in The Pearl?
   • The doctor refuses to treat Coyotito because he holds prejudices against Kino’s people, viewing them as inferior and only willing to help when there is a potential for profit.
8. What song does Kino hear in The Pearl?
   • Kino hears the “Song of the Pearl,” which represents his dreams and hopes for the future. This song embodies his aspirations for wealth and a better life.
9. What is the symbolism of the scorpion in The Pearl?
   • The scorpion symbolizes danger, evil, and the unforeseen tragedies that disrupt Kino’s life. It foreshadows the hardships and misfortunes that will arise from their pursuit of wealth.
10. Contrast the differences between the doctor’s house and that of Kino.
    • The doctor’s house is lavish and symbolizes wealth and privilege, while Kino’s house is modest and reflects his poverty. This contrast highlights the social divide and the systemic inequalities in their society.
11. In The Pearl, what is Juana’s reaction when she sees the scorpion climbing down the rope towards Coyotito’s box?
    • Juana reacts with fear and instinctive concern for Coyotito’s safety, illustrating her protective nature and the deep bond she has with her son.

Chapter Two

1. How is the pearl made?
   • The pearl is formed inside an oyster as a natural defense mechanism against an irritant, resulting in a lustrous gemstone that symbolizes Kino’s dreams.
2. “Juana sensed his excitement and she pretended to look away.” Explain this statement.
   • This indicates Juana’s awareness of Kino’s growing obsession with the pearl. By pretending to look away, she acknowledges his excitement but also shows her concern about the dangers associated with their newfound wealth.
3. Describe Kino’s most valuable possession in Chapter Two.
   • Kino’s most valuable possession is his canoe, which represents his livelihood and connection to his heritage. It is essential for his work as a pearl diver and symbolizes his identity.
4. What new song does Kino hear in Chapter Two of The Pearl?
   • Kino hears the “Song of the Pearl,” which reflects his dreams of prosperity and a better future for his family, filled with hope and ambition.
5. What medication has Juana used for the baby’s swollen shoulder?
   • Juana uses a seaweed poultice to treat Coyotito’s swollen shoulder, demonstrating her reliance on traditional medicine and her nurturing instincts.
6. What occupation does Kino indulge himself in?
   • Kino is a pearl diver and fisherman, relying on his skills and knowledge of the sea to provide for his family.
7. Explain two reasons why Kino’s canoe is so important to him.
   • First, it is his primary means of livelihood, allowing him to dive for pearls. Second, it is a symbol of his heritage and identity, connecting him to his ancestors and culture.
8. List examples in The Pearl that show money is important in life.
   • The desire for the pearl represents the hope for wealth and a better future. The doctor’s initial refusal to help Kino is motivated by the potential for financial gain, and the pearl buyers collude to keep prices low to maximize their profits.

Chapter Three

1. In what sense does Kino become man’s enemy in The Pearl?
   • Kino becomes man’s enemy as he challenges the existing social order by seeking to claim the wealth and status that the pearl represents, leading to jealousy and conflict with others.
2. How is the doctor affected by greed in the novel The Pearl?
   • The doctor’s greed motivates him to exploit Kino’s situation. He initially refuses to treat Coyotito but later arrives to offer medical care when he learns about Kino’s discovery of the pearl.
3. What does the doctor do when he comes to Kino’s house for the first time?
   • The doctor pretends to be concerned for Coyotito’s health, offering to treat him, but his true motive is to benefit from Kino’s newfound wealth.
4. What are the reactions of the following to the news of Kino’s pearl discovery?
   • a) The Priest: Sees an opportunity to benefit from Kino’s wealth and reflects on his own interests.
   • b) Shopkeepers: Hope to profit by selling Kino goods at inflated prices.
   • c) Doctor: Initially dismissive but then eager to exploit the situation for his financial gain.
   • d) Beggars: Envy Kino’s fortune and hope for some of his wealth.
   • e) Pearl buyers: Conspire to undervalue the pearl to maximize their profits.
5. What experience in Chapter Three makes Kino realize that his innocence has put him at the mercy of the people?
   • Kino’s realization occurs when he faces manipulation and deceit from the pearl buyers, who conspire against him to keep the pearl’s value low, showcasing the predatory nature of those around him.
6. Describe an example of foreshadowing in Chapter Three.
   • Juana’s repeated warnings about the dangers of the pearl serve as foreshadowing, hinting at the misfortunes and violence that will follow Kino’s pursuit of wealth.
7. What does the doctor do that is dishonorable?
   • The doctor deceives Kino by pretending to care for Coyotito’s well-being, only to take advantage of Kino’s situation for his own financial gain.

Chapter Four

1. Why are the pearl buyers excited about Kino’s pearl?
   • The pearl buyers are excited because they see it as a rare and valuable opportunity to make a significant profit, despite their intentions to cheat Kino.
2. Why did Kino sell his pearl for the offered fifteen hundred pesos?
   • Kino sold the pearl for fifteen hundred pesos because he felt pressured and deceived by the buyers, who colluded to undervalue it, leaving him with no choice.
3. What did the buyer know?
   • The buyer knew that Kino was desperate for money and that the pearl was valuable. He exploited Kino’s naivety and the socioeconomic disparities to offer a price far below its worth.
4. Why does Kino keep saying, “I am a man” in Chapter Four of The Pearl?
   • Kino repeats “I am a man” to assert his identity and dignity, emphasizing his desire for respect and acknowledgment of his rights, especially in the face of exploitation.
5. What evidence is there that the pearl buyers worked together to cheat sellers?
   • The synchronized low offers from multiple buyers and their dismissive attitudes towards the pearl’s value indicate that they conspired to keep prices artificially low for their own gain.

Chapter Five

1. Who are two people who feel that the pearl is evil?
   • Juana and Kino both view the pearl as evil. Juana believes it brings misfortune, while Kino realizes that it leads to violence and betrayal.
2. In what sense does Kino become every man’s enemy?
   • Kino becomes every man’s enemy as his pursuit of the pearl’s wealth leads to jealousy and hostility from others, who feel threatened by his newfound power and status.
3. How does Kino kill a man in Chapter Five of The Pearl?
   • Kino kills a man in self-defense during an ambush by attackers who are trying to steal the pearl. This act marks a turning point in Kino’s character, showcasing the desperation and violence that wealth can bring.
4. Why does Juana want Kino to throw the pearl back into the ocean after their return to La Paz?
   • Juana believes that the pearl has brought them nothing but misfortune and violence. She wants Kino to rid themselves of its evil influence and return to their simple, peaceful life.
5. What does Kino discover about his own nature in Chapter Five?
   • Kino discovers that his desperation for wealth has transformed him into a violent and fearful person, leading him to actions he never thought he was capable of.

Chapter Six

1. What does the pearl symbolize in Chapter Six?
   • The pearl symbolizes both hope and despair. It represents Kino’s dreams for a better life, but it also embodies the greed, violence, and destruction that accompany the pursuit of wealth.
2. What do Juana and Kino decide to do with the pearl at the end of Chapter Six?
   • Juana and Kino decide to leave their home and flee to escape the danger that the pearl has brought upon them, indicating their recognition of the pearl’s corrupting influence.
3. In what way does the author show that Kino and Juana are becoming more and more alike in Chapter Six?
   • The author shows that Kino and Juana are becoming more alike as they both recognize the dangers of the pearl and share a growing understanding of its negative impact on their lives, leading them to make decisions together.
4. How does Kino’s relationship with the pearl change in Chapter Six?
   • Kino’s relationship with the pearl shifts from one of hope and ambition to a realization of its destructive power, leading him to see it as a source of evil rather than a means to achieve his dreams.
5. Describe the significance of the closing scene in Chapter Six.
   • The closing scene signifies the loss of innocence for Kino and Juana. Their dreams have been shattered, and they face an uncertain future, highlighting the broader themes of ambition, greed, and the consequences of desire.