The Pearl

Question 1

What is the setting of The Pearl?

Answer 1

around 1900 on an estuary on the coast of Mexico in La Paz

Question 2

Describe the plot of The Pearl:

Answer 2

The story begins when Kino and his wife, Juana, are desperate to save their son, Coyotito, who has been stung by a scorpion. Kino, a pearl diver, sets off to find a large pearl to pay for Coyotito’s medical treatment.
The Pearl and its Impact:
Kino discovers a magnificent pearl, which he and Juana believe will be their salvation. This pearl, however, becomes a symbol of both hope and destruction. News of the pearl spreads, and the townspeople, including the greedy doctor and pearl dealers, become fixated on acquiring it.
A Descent into Chaos:
Kino’s newfound wealth, combined with the townspeople’s greed, leads to violence and a series of misfortunes. Kino tries to sell the pearl but is cheated, and he feels betrayed by the society he lives in. He eventually kills a man who attempts to steal the pearl, and he and Juana are forced to flee their home.
The Final Act:
After a harrowing escape and a tragic encounter with trackers, Kino realizes the pearl has cost him dearly. He throws the pearl back into the ocean, acknowledging its corrupting influence. The story ends with Kino and Juana, carrying the dead body of Coyotito, returning to the village, leaving the pearl behind, and symbolizing the loss of their hopes and dreams.

Question 3

Character personalities of Coyotitio in The Pearl:

Answer 3

a baby who is innocent and vulnerable

Question 4

Role of Coyotitio in The Pearl:

Answer 4

mainly a symbol of Kino and Juana’s hopes and dreams for a better future, his sickness sets to story in motion, and consequence of Kino’s greed/actions

Question 5

Fate of Coyotitio in The Pearl:

Answer 5

shot and killed by a tracker, a tragic consequence of Kino’s bad actions

Question 6

Character personalities of Kino in The Pearl:

Answer 6

at the beginning: hardworking, simple, loving, peaceful
transformation after finding the pearl: greed, possessiveness, anger, fear

Question 7

Role of Kino in The Pearl:

Answer 7

protagonist, shows theme of corrupting power of greed,

Question 8

Fate of Kino in The Pearl:

Answer 8

realizes the pearl only brought suffering, throws pearl back into sea

Question 9

Character personalities of Juana in The Pearl:

Answer 9

strong, smart, loving, cautitious, resilient, nuturing

Question 10

Role of Juana in The Pearl:

Answer 10

to serve as a moral and emotional anchor, counteracting Kino’s increasing obsession with the pearl, heme of maternal love and sacrifice

Question 11

Fate of Juana in The Pearl:

Answer 11

realizes their pursuit of wealth has destroyed their lives, journey is less about transformation and more about survival, wisdom, and sacrific

Question 12

Character personalities of the priest in The Pearl:

Answer 12

hypocritical, wants more personal gain than helping the community, controling

Question 13

Role of the priest in The Pearl:

Answer 13

represents the corrupt, hierarchical religious system that maintains the oppression of the lower class

Question 14

Fate of the priest in The Pearl:

Answer 14

remains a static character, illustrating that the structures of power, exploitation, and inequality remain intact despite the tragic events that unfold.