Reader’s Response Questions to The Pearl

What is Kino’s Song of the Family?

It is a tune Kino sings in his head when everything feels safe and good with Juana and their baby.

What causes Juana and Kino to freeze in their positions?

They freeze when they see a scorpion moving in the hanging box, fearing it will harm Coyotito.

What happens to Coyotito?

Coyotito gets stung by the scorpion and becomes very sick.

How is the doctor described and how does Kino feel about him?

The doctor is described as rich and lazy, who doesn't care about poor people (Steinbeck 7), and Kino feels mad when the doctor refuses to help.

What emotion does Kino express at the close of Chapter 1?

At the end of Chapter 1, Kino is furious because the doctor was unhelpful about Coyotito's situation.

What is Kino’s most prized possession?

Kino's most important possession is his canoe, essential for their survival.

What is Kiko’s most prize possession? And where did he get it from?

Canoe And he got it from his grandfather

How is a pearl formed in an oyster?

A pearl forms when a piece of sand gets trapped in an oyster, and the oyster layers it until it becomes a pearl.

What do Kino and Juana find?

They find a huge, perfect pearl that has the potential to make them rich.

How does Kino think his life will change after finding the pearl?

Kino believes the pearl will improve their life by providing a house, clothes, and education for Coyotito.

How does Juana’s opinion of possessing the pearl change after the robbery attempt?

After the robbery attempt, Juana believes the pearl is bad luck and wants to dispose of it.

How are the pearl buyers unfair to Kino?

The pearl buyers deceive Kino by undervaluing his pearl which is actually valuable.

What is the 'day from which all other days would take their arrangement'?

The day they find the pearl becomes a pivotal event that changes their lives.

What does Juan Tomas tell Kino about the pearl?

Juan Tomás warns Kino that the pearl may bring more trouble than it is worth.

What does the pearl buyer tell Kino about his pearl?

The pearl buyer lies, claiming Kino's pearl is weird and not valuable.

How does Kino feel about taking the pearl to the capital?

Kino feels nervous but believes it's their only chance for a fair deal.

What does Juana urge Kino to do with the pearl?

Juana urges Kino to throw the pearl back into the ocean before things escalate.

What is Kino’s only fear as the trackers follow him?

Kino is afraid that Coyotito's crying will lead the trackers to them.

What happens to Coyotito?

Coyotito is tragically killed when the trackers shoot at his cries.

What do Kino and Juana finally do with the pearl?

They throw the pearl back into the ocean, believing it ruined their lives.

What is the theme of the novella?

The theme is that greed can destroy everything good in one's life. And also that money can’t buy happiness

Is the pearl a novel or a novella?

It is a novella