Venn
Diagram
The Pearl
NAME:__________
DATE:__________
For John Steinbeck’s The Pearl
Venn Diagram
Kino
before
the pearl
Kino
after
the pearl
Similarities
Permann, BYU, 2002
The Pearl: Venn Diagram
Purpose: Graphic organizers help students interact with and outline textually important
information to better focus on important ideas and relationships. By doing this Venn
diagram, students will be able to visually organize the affects that the pearl has had on
Kino. Understanding how the pearl has changed Kino will help students to grasp the
novel’s deeper message about greed and avarice.
Objectives: Students will be able to analyze the cause and effect relationship of Kino and
the pearl and visually organize the affects of his fortune in a comprehendible Venn
diagram.
Context: This Venn diagram should be used immediately following the completion of
The Pearl. Doing so will invite discussion of and exploration into the novel’s moral
concepts. This graphic representation will help to solidify students’ understanding of thi
cause and effect relationship.
Time: Allow 15-20 minutes for this activity.
Steps:
1) Hand out a copy of the Venn diagram to each student; display one on the
overhead.
2) Ask students to think what Kino was like before he found the pearl. Request
that they look through the text for ideas. Invite lots of participation.
3) Repeat step three as you note how Kino changed and how he stayed the same.
4) Invite students to record this information on their own diagrams.
5) Discuss what Kino’s changes tell us about money and greed.
Assessment: Check for student understanding by their level of participation. Are they
accurately providing examples of Kino’s altered character? Do they recognize how the
pearl has affected him in an evil manner? Use the Teacher Guide to assess that students
have the right ideas.
Permann, BYU, 2002
TEACHER’S GUIDE
Here are some possibilities for this Venn diagram:
Kino before the
pearl:
Kino before and
after the pearl:
Kino after the
pearl:
Content
Happy
Satisfied
Humble
Loyal
Trusting
Innocent
A dreamer
Pleased
Comfortable
Concerned
Caring
Modest
Meek
Poor
Lowly
Friendly
Honest
Free
Kind
Sensitive
Pure
Etc…
Loves his family
Protective
Determined
Brave
Simple
Mexican-Indian
Married to Juana
Father of Coyotito
Introspective
Pensive
Thoughtful
Spiritual
Etc…
Wealthy
Nervous
Suspicious
Violent
Quick to anger
Vulnerable
Targeted
Hunted
Greedy
Frightened
Obsessed
Possessed
Consumed
Rich
Tainted
Sneaky
Proud
Hard hearted
Unfeeling
Cold
Corrupted
Etc…
Permann, BYU, 2002