Smarr Publishers
English
for
Classical Studies
A Student’s Companion to
The Pearl
by Robert W. Watson
Copyright © Watson Educational Services, Inc., 2006
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The Pearl / 1
T
Introduction to The Pearl
HE PEARL represents John Steinbeck’s belief about the
American Dream. The illusion of easy wealth and
carefree living is an alluring dream; but it is simply
that—a dream. If one having known only poverty were to have a
windfall of riches, the wealth would soon be consumed, because the
accumulation of wealth has its own natural laws. The poor, who are
typically consumers and not investors, do not understand these
laws, and thus are destined to remain in poverty unless the laws of
wealth are studied and obeyed. While he became rich through his
writing, Steinbeck has a preoccupation with poverty, which he
explores not only in The Pearl but also in The Grapes of Wrath and
Of Mice and Men. Even if many of his readers do not seem to understand about money,
Steinbeck is aware that riches and wealth bring their own set of problems. Indeed, the wealthy
are not lucky; they just happen to understand the power of money.
John Steinbeck was a Californian, who chose to abandon college life and become a common
laborer while he pursued a career in writing. For this reason, his novels have a touch of
authenticity regarding the “common” man, even though his socialist views are evident in many
of his works. The Grapes of Wrath won Steinbeck a Pulitzer Prize, and in 1962 he received the
Nobel Prize for literature. His later works like East of Eden and The Winter of Our Discontent
did not receive as much acclaim as his works during the Depression.
The “hero” of The Pearl is Kino, a poor Mexican, who represents the common man, or the
Everyman, with his typical concerns about life and family. As you read, note how Kino’s
contentment with his station in life changes as the story progresses. Steinbeck uses a lot of
symbolism in this story such as the scorpion and the doctor. Be aware of these symbols, and
discover why they are significant.
One of the many motifs throughout The Pearl is the conflict between modern mores and past
heritage. Whether intentional or not, Steinbeck gives more credence to the way of the past in
contrast to the modern money-based society. While modern society is unstable and immature
due to its constant and incessant urge for change, honored traditions and heritage offer the soul
a place of refuge, a place of certainty and stability. When his life looked its darkest, Kino
returns to his community, his neighbors, and his home.
Another common motif found in this story is light verses darkness. However, Steinbeck
surprises the reader by oftentimes reversing the roles of light and darkness. There are other
conflicts such as foreigners against natives, merchants against pearl drivers, and nature against
man. All of these conflicts are not exaggerated at all and are part of the common lot of
mankind.
One question that should be asked and resolved as you read The Pearl is whether inanimate
objects can possess goodness or evil. Things can be powerful symbols, but are they inherently
good or evil in themselves? Kept this in mind as you read. Also, some critics suggest that
Steinbeck is using the Biblical parable of the Pearl of Great Price as the basis for his story
(Matthew 13:45–45). Look for evidence that either supports or refutes the critics.
As usual, you should try to glean Biblical lessons and precepts from reading. You will find The
Pearl is replete with such lessons.
ROBERT W. WATSON
2 / The Pearl
The Pearl
Lesson One
1.1 Vocabulary
covey n.
dank adj.
plaintive adj.
bulwark n.
1.2 Vocabulary Recognition
1. [The boat] is the ______________ against starvation.
2. Outside the brush house in the tuna clump, a _____________ of little birds chittered and
flurried with their wings.
3. In his mind a new song had come, the Song of Evil, the music of the enemy, of any foe of
the family, a savage, secret, dangerous melody, and under, the Song of the Family cried
________________(ly).
4. His blanket was over his nose to protect him from the ___________ air.
1.3 Reading Assignment: The Pearl, Chapters 1–2
1.4 Recall Questions
1. In what did Coyotito sleep?
2. What was the “tiny movement” that drew the eyes of Kino and Juana to their baby?
3. What was the “wonderful thing, a memorable thing” that Juana requested?
4. According to the narrator of the story, who were “great experts in financial analysis”?
5. What nationality is the doctor?
6. With what does Kino offer to pay the doctor to see his son?
7. Instead praying for the recovery of her baby, what does Juana pray for?
8. What were the purpose for having two ropes when Kino dove for pearls?
9. How does the narrator describe the size of the pearl from the “ancient oyster”?
10. After finding the pearl, what did Kino and Juana discover about Coyotito?
The Pearl / 3
1.5 Critical Thinking
 Kino states that while he remembered and sang the old songs, no new songs were added.
Why do you suppose this was true? If nationhood is determined by a people’s poetry and
songs, what may suggest the reason for no new songs being added by Kino’s people?
Discuss.
 As a symbol, what or whom does the doctor represent? Discuss.
 Kino starts to turn to violence. Is Kino’s striking the door symbolic? If so, what does the
door symbolize? What does Kino’s bleeding symbolize?
1.6 Bonus Thoughts
 Symbolism: When used in discussing literature, a symbol refers to anything, which
signifies something beyond itself. Common symbols such as the cross, the flag, or the statue
of Liberty are conventional symbols that are fixed by tradition or local culture. Poets and
authors will use conventional symbols, but they employ personal symbols as well, which
they develop themselves. An example in The Pearl is Kino’s boat. The boat is an actual
boat, but it has a deeper meaning than merely a vessel made of wood to be used to travel
across a body of water. The boat is symbolic of Kino’s livelihood, a tradition that was
passed down to him by his father and his grandfather. Should harm come to the boat, much
more is hurt than a material possession. The very core of Kino’s being would be upset.
 Pulque (p›l“k³”): This beverage is a thick, fermented alcoholic drink made in Mexico.
 The French Presence in Mexico: Since the doctor was a Frenchman, he is one of the
descendents of the French who settled in Mexico during the 1860s. France had become the
Second Empire in 1852 with Napoleon III as the self-proclaimed emperor. During his
“reign” France had a resurgence of glory, prosperity, and order. The French flag was soon
to be seen in Indochina, in Tahiti, and in West Africa. But perhaps the most ambitious
undertaking by Napoleon III was his wanting to control Mexico. The United States at this
time was at war with the Confederate States of America, and the much vaunted “Monroe
Doctrine” was set aside during the duration of the conflict with the South.
In 1861, France, Spain, and Great Britain entered into a joint venture to invade Mexico,
since the Mexican government suspended payments on foreign loans for two years. The
troops from Spain and Great Britain left Mexico in 1862; however, France demanded more
from the Mexican government. In June 1863, after many battles, the French army was able
to occupy Mexico City. Napoleon III then in 1864 appointed the Hapsburg Archduke
Fernando Maximilian as the emperor of Mexico. Unfortunately for Maximilian, the
adventure proved to be very costly financially, and French troops were recalled back to
France a few at a time. Most of the fighting against the Mexicans who opposed the French
was done by mercenaries hired by France for the Imperial army. A large number of war
veterans from the North and the South went to Mexico in order to join one of the two sides.
By 1867, all of the remaining French soldiers left Mexico. Maximilian was soon captured
and executed by the Mexicans.
4 / The Pearl
The Pearl
Lesson Two
2.1 Vocabulary
lucent adj.
disparagement n.
dissemble v.
furtive adj.
2.2 Vocabulary Recognition
1. Then from the corner of the house came a sound so soft that it might have been simply a
thought, a little ___________ movement, a touch of a foot on earth, the almost inaudible
purr of controlled breathing.
2. And this is said in __________________, whereas it is one of the greatest talents the
species [of man] has and one that has made it superior to animals that are satisfied with
what they have.
3. All of these things Kino saw in the _______________ pearl and he said, “We will have new
clothes.”
4. Everyone knew why the doctor had come. He was not good at ______________(ing) and he
was very well understood.
2.3 Reading Assignment: The Pearl, chapter 3
2.4 Recall Questions
1. When the priest heard about Kino’s finding “the Pearl of the World,” what thoughts did he
have?
2. When the doctor heard about Kino’s finding “the Pearl of the World,” where does his mind
take him?
3. The news of the Kino’s pearl entered into the imagination of every person in the village,
which caused Kino to become every man’s what?
4. According to the narrator, what is “one of the greatest talents” of man that makes him
superior to animals?
5. Just as Juana began fixing supper and the neighbors were about to leave, who arrives at the
hut?
6. Kino believed that he and his people would always be trapped until what happens?
The Pearl / 5
7. According to the narrator, what were the first and second enemies of poor people?
8. What does the doctor offer to do for Kino when he “learns” about the pearl?
9. After someone tried to steal the pearl, what does Juana suggest to Kino regarding the pearl?
2.5 Critical Thinking
 Consider the practice of having several pearl buyers in the town, yet the buyers are all
secretly “employed” by the same out-of-town merchant. In what way is this “business”
practice evident in the United States today? Even if such practices are common, is it the role
of civil government to interfere? Discuss.
 While he was poor, Kino certainly had problems. But now that he has the potential of
becoming wealthy, what new problems does Kino have? Discuss whether money and riches
solve all problems.
 How does 1 Timothy 6:6, “But godliness with contentment is great gain,” apply in today’s
readings? Is it wicked to desire things just for the sake of acquiring them? Discuss.
 Discuss whether Coyotito’s illness was due to the scorpion’s bite or the doctor’s
administering the “medicine.” Provide reasons from the text to support your opinion.
2.6 Bonus Thoughts
 Opium Poisoning: Kino is suspicious of the doctor’s treatment, but since he had no
experience by which to judge, he accepts the doctor’s statements and treatments at face
value. The use of the “white powder” is indeed suspicious. While we cannot state with
certainty what the white powder was, one treatment for a mild case of opium poisoning is
the use of ammonia, because it helps restore normal breathing. Opium poisoning can result
in death when the victim’s breathing stops. Some symptoms of opium poisoning include a
flushed, or redden face, a dry mouth, vomiting, and a deep slumber.
 Animism: Juana believed the pearl was evil, thinking it would destroy her, her husband,
and her son. In order to attribute evil to the pearl, Juana must believe this inanimate object
had some form of consciousness. No doubt, Juana did not receive this belief from her
Christianity, but rather inherited it from her Indian ancestors who did believe such things. In
other words, according to her Indian ancestors, all matter, including rocks, possess a spirit
or soul. The belief that inanimate objects possess consciousness is known as animism.
Greek mythology offers many stories about trees and plants being inhabited by nymphs
called dryads. Of course, the Bible never mentions inanimate objects, such are rocks or
plants, as having a spirit or soul. Only humans and animals are said to have souls (see
Genesis 2:7; Job 12:10; Revelation 16:3).
 The Practice of Medicine and Money: The doctor represents the worst fears that many
people have regarding the medical field. The doctor in The Pearl was not concerned about
Coyotito until he was assured of getting money for his services. Logically, the practice of
medicine can solely be for the alleviating of pain and of symptoms and never for the curing
of the illness or disease itself. If doctors were to cure all sicknesses and eliminate all
diseases, they would lose customers and would be shortly out of business. At least this is
6 / The Pearl
what some critics have proposed. One of the severest critics of the medical profession was
Leo Tolstoy, who argued that doctors are the cause for most of the immorality in the world.
After all, reasoned Tolstoy, with medicines readily available, those who participate in
wicked lifestyles are less likely to suffer the consequences of their sin. Furthermore, Tolstoy
found it appalling that parents relied upon a doctor’s skills more than they did on the will of
an all-knowing God. If a small child were to get sick and die, Tolstoy points out that the
distraught parents would oftentimes state their child would still be alive had the doctor
come sooner. Yet, this thinking puts faith in a man and overlooks the fact that it is God who
gives and takes life, and God’s will cannot be frustrated.
The Pearl / 7
The Pearl
Lesson Three
3.1 Vocabulary
tithe n.
countenance v.
stalwart adj.
collusion n.
3.2 Vocabulary Recognition
1. This was extravagant and not to be __________________(ed).
2. “Ask the others. Go to their offices and show your pearl—or better let them come here, so
that you can see there is no ________________.”
3. Word of it crept in among the nuns; the beggars in front of the church spoke of it, for they
would be there to take the _____________ of the first fruits of the luck.
4. So important was this day that an old man came to see, riding on the ______________
shoulders of his nephew.
3.3 Reading Assignment: The Pearl, chapter 4
3.4 Recall Questions
1. You learned that the pearl buyers were not independent businessmen. Why was this so?
2. Kino’s neighbors discussed among themselves that they hoped the pearl would not do what
to Kino?
3. Regarding the price of the pearl, what problem did Juan Tomás raise to Kino?
4. What does the fact that the pearl buyer was practicing “legerdemain” suggest about the
character of the man?
5. According to the first pearl buyer, what reason does he give for the pearl not being of much
value?
6. Kino believes that he is being cheated. What does the pearl buyer do to show that there was
no “collusion”?
7. What thought did the neighbors want to put out of their minds about the buyers being in
collusion with one another?
8. Because she feared that Kino was in danger, what does Juana suggest that they should do
with the pearl?
8 / The Pearl
3.5 Critical Thinking
 Is Steinbeck being sarcastic, i.e. being ironic, when he states, “For every man in the world
functions to the best of his ability, and no one does less than his best, no matter what he may
think about it”? Do men subconsciously do their best even when they do not think they are
doing so? Does everyone function to the best of his ability all of the time? Discuss.
 Note that everyone, had he found the pearl instead of Kino, would use the money for
“good” things, like giving large donations to the church and helping the poor. Why do
people feel very generous when they do not have any money? Are such notions based on
self-righteousness or envy? Discuss.
3.6 Bonus Thoughts
 Confidence Men: In today’s reading you learned about the village divers hiring one man to
take their pearls to the city in order to get a better price. However, after receiving the pearls,
the hired man never returned. The world has always been plagued by the confidence man, a
scoundrel who separates trusting, but naïve, people from their money or possessions. The
confidence man is a familiar character in many works of literature. Edgar Allan Poe wrote a
story (“The Business Man”) in which the narrator explains his secret of business success to
the reading public, just like Bill Gates, Warren Buffet, or Peter Lynch would. However, the
reader begins to realize that the narrator is not a prudent business man, but a common crook.
Another notable example of the con man in found in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
The “King” and the “Duke” pass themselves off as “missionaries to pirates” and are able to
receive donations for their “work” at a revival camp meeting. The Bible warns us against
such men: “Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a
foot out of joint” (Proverbs 25:19). In short, “It is better to trust in the LORD than to put
confidence in man” (Psalm 118:8).
 Legerdemain and Magic: One of the pearl buyers was manipulating a coin with his
fingers, practicing his legerdemain. The word “legerdemain” has its origin in the French
language which means “light of hand.” Legerdemain is the performance of tricks that
deceives the senses, especially the eyes. Card and coin tricks along with shell games are
some of the acts that belong to legerdemain, and such tricks are harmless fun and
entertainment. However, many people mistake legerdemain with magic, which is
completely different. Magic is the attempt to control natural forces or foretelling future
events by invoking the supernatural. Obviously, only the true and living God has power
over His creation, but this fact does not stop many from trying to usurp God’s role. The
Bible has plenty to say about magic (see Deuteronomy 18:11). But Pliny in his Natural
History offers this curious connection between magic, religion, and medicine:
No one will doubt that the origin of magic lay in medicine, and that it crept in
surreptitiously under the pretense of furthering health, as if it were a loftier and
holier form of the healing art. In this way it acquired the enticing and welcome
promises of religion which even now remains very much a closed book to the
human race; and with this success it also took control of astrology, because there
is no one who is not eager to learn his destiny or who does not believe that the
most accurate method of so doing is to observe the sky. So magic, with its triple
bond on men’s emotions [good health, religion, and the future], has reached such
a peak that even today it has power over a great part of the world and in the East
commands kings of kings.
The Pearl / 9
The Pearl
Lesson Four
4.1 Vocabulary
sear v.
skirl v.
estuary n.
edifice n.
4.2 Vocabulary Recognition
1. Now the darkness was closing in on his family; now the evil music filled the night, hung
over the mangroves, ____________(ed) in the wave beat.
2. He saw a little glow ahead of him, and then without interval a tall flame leaped up in the
dark with a crackling roar, and a tall ______________ of fire lighted the pathway.
3. And a _____________(ing) rage came to him and gave him strength.
4. The wind blew freshly into the __________________, a nervous, restless wind with the
smell of storm on its breath, and there was change and uneasiness in the air.
4.3 Reading Assignment: The Pearl, chapter 5
4.4 Recall Questions
1. Where does Juana go after she takes the pearl from its hiding place?
2. According to Juana, of what is “a man” made?
3. What happens which makes Juana realize at last that “the old life was gone forever”?
4. What created the “tall edifice of fire,” that Kino saw from the pathway.
5. Into whose house does Kino and his family find temporary refuge?
6. Why does Kino decide to head north away from his village?
7. Why was it a good thing that the wind was blowing on the night of Kino’s departure?
4.5 Critical Thinking
 Consider Kino’s thought that killing a boat was worse than killing a man. Are material
possessions ever worth more than human life? However, what does the boat in reality
represent to Kino? Discuss.
10 / The Pearl
 In this chapter we have several references to darkness and light. Generally light is good, and
darkness is evil. Is this true in today’s readings? Why or why not?
 According to the Bible, what is a soul? Can a soul be bought or sold? Does the pearl
become the soul of Kino? If so, how is this possible? Discuss.
4.6 Bonus Thoughts
 Mangrove: A “mangrove” represents several tropical evergreen trees or shrubs of the
genus Rhizophora, which form dense thickets along sea shores.
The Pearl / 11
The Pearl
Lesson Five
5.1 Vocabulary
monolithic adj.
disinterested adj.
petulant adj.
germane adj.
5.2 Vocabulary Recognition
1. And the baby was weary and ____________, and he cried softly until Juana gave him her
breast, and then he gurgled and clucked against her.
2. But ahead were the naked granite mountains, rising out of erosion rubble and standing
_____________ against the sky.
3. Any sound that was not ____________ to the night would make [the trackers] alert.
4. Kino could see [the trackers] in his mind, slipping along the track, whining a little with
eagerness, and behind them, dark and half ___________, the horseman with the rifle.
5.3 Reading Assignment: The Pearl, chapter 6
5.4 Recall Questions
1. What was the purpose of Kino’s walking in the wagon rut?
2. What reason does Kino give to Juana for his knowing the pearl was of great value?
3. When Kino discovered that he and his family were being tracked, what was his strategy
should the men find their tracks leading to the brush?
4. After the trackers pass his location, where does Kino decide to flee?
5. In spite of Juana’s refusal to follow her husband’s orders to continue the journey without
him, what does Kino receive from his wife, which helped his resolve?
6. Regarding life and death, what was ironic about the small pools formed in the stone
mountains?
7. After his family is secured in the small cave, Kino gives what instruction to Juana about
Coyotito?
8. What is ironic about the tracker’s statement that the cry the men heard in the dark could
have been the sound of a coyote pup (a knowledge of Spanish is helpful here)?
12 / The Pearl
9. What finally happens to the pearl?
5.5 Critical Thinking
 Compare and contrast this story with the Biblical parable about the Pearl of Great Price
(Matthew 13:45–45).
 Explain how this story illustrates the lesson that life is not fair.
 Discuss the reasons why Kino becomes more violent as the story progresses.
 What does the pearl represent? Discuss the pearl as a symbol.
5.6 Bonus Thoughts
 The Art of Tracking: Steinbeck offers plenty of suspense with the progress of the trackers
and with Kino’s attempt to escape them. Kino understood the fundamentals of tracking, and
therefore tried to conceal his family’s flight. Tracking is simply the art of recognizing slight
disturbances found in nature. In order to discover these disturbances, the tracker must be
familiar with nature in its undisturbed state. Therefore, to be a good tracker, one must learn
about and become very familiar with the lay of the land, its soil, and its vegetation. A leaf
on a plant that is bent in half is not natural, nor is a scuff mark on a moss-covered rock.
These are signs that indicate the trail, or the spoor, of an animal or human being.
The Pearl / 13
Glossary for The Pearl
bulwark (b‹l“w…rk) n. A wall or embankment raised as a defensive fortification; a rampart;
anything serving as a defense or safeguard
collusion (k…-l›“zh…n) n. A secret agreement between two or more parties for a fraudulent,
illegal, or deceitful purpose; conspiracy
countenance v. To give or express approval to; condone
covey (k¾v“¶) n. A small flock of birds, especially partridge or quail; a small group
dank (d²ngk) adj. Disagreeably damp or humid
disinterested (d¹s-¹n“tr¹-st¹d) adj. Free of bias and self-interest; impartial; not interested;
indifferent
disparagement (d¹-sp²r“¹j-m…nt) n. Speech in a slighting way; belittlement; a reduction in
esteem or rank
dissemble (d¹-sμm“b…l) v. To disguise or conceal behind a false appearance; disguise; to make
a false show of; feign
edifice (μd“…-f¹s) n. A building, generally one of imposing appearance or size
estuary (μs“ch›-μr”¶) n. The part of the wide lower course of a river where its current is met
by the tides; an arm of the sea that extends inland to meet the mouth of a river
furtive (fûr“t¹v) adj. Characterized by stealth; surreptitious; expressive of hidden motives or
purposes; shifty; secret
germane (j…r-m³n“) adj. Being both pertinent and fitting; relevant
lucent (l›“s…nt) adj. Giving off light; luminous; clear
monolithic (m¼n”…-l¹th“¹k) adj. Massive, solid, and uniform; constituting or acting as one
group or unit, often rigid
petulant (pμch“…-l…nt) adj. Unreasonably irritable or ill-tempered; peevish; contemptuous in
speech or behavior
plaintive (pl³n“t¹v) adj. Expressing sorrow; mournful or melancholy
sear (sîr) v. To char, scorch, or burn the surface of with or as if with a hot instrument; to cause
to dry up and wither
skirl (skûrl) v. To produce a high, shrill, wailing tone, often referring to the bagpipe
stalwart (stôl“w…rt) adj. Having or marked by imposing physical strength; firm and resolute;
stout; strong
tithe (tºth) n. A tenth part of one’s annual income, usually refers to either taxes or for the
support of a church
14 / The Pearl
The Pearl
Vocabulary Quiz
1. At the worst possible time, Coyotito became ____________, and Juana tried to keep her
baby quiet.
(A) dank
(B) disinterested
(C) furtive
(D) plaintive
(E) petulant
2. Kino instinctively thought that he was being taken advantaged when he observed the
_____________ looks the pearl buyers were passing between each other.
(A) dank
(B) disinterested
(C) furtive
(D) plaintive
(E) germane
3. After the doctor’s servant cast his _______________ at Kino, the haughty man shut the
_____________ door, a strong obstacle between the poor and any medical treatment.
(A) tithe . . lucent
(B) disparagement . . stalwart
(C) bulwark . . disinterested
(D) edifice . . germane
(E) collusion . . plaintive
4. The knife, the dead body, and his home in flames were images that were ____________ like
hot brands on his mind as Kino made his escape.
(A) skirled
(B) countenanced
(C) disparaged
(D) disinterested
(E) seared
5. Kino tried his best to _____________ the path which he and his family were taking in order
to confuse the trackers; then when he knew they would soon be discovered, he headed
towards the mountains, those _______________ pieces of rock.
(A) countenance . . disinterested
(B) dissemble . . monolithic
(C) sear . . furtive
(D) skirl . . stalwart
(E) disparage . . petulant
OVER
6. COVEY : BIRD : :
(A) pride : lion
(B) fleet : water
(C) hospital : bed
(D) package : twine
(E) valley : forest
7. COLLUSION : CONSPIRACY : :
(A) perjury : trial
(B) lettuce : salad
(C) sheriff : bailiff
(D) charge : offensive
(E) tunnel : turnpike
8. BULWARK : SAFEGUARD : :
(A) well : water
(B) tree : shade
(C) lie : falsehood
(D) monk : religion
(E) insult : praise
9. COUNTENANCE : DISAPPROVE : :
(A) forage : search
(B) limit : restrict
(C) yell : shout
(D) gawk : stare
(E) recall : forget
10. SKYSCRAPER : EDIFICE : :
(A) lock : key
(B) monster : fairytale
(C) aircraft carrier : ship
(D) cup : pitcher
(E) canoe : vessel
11. All around Kino and his family were
the plaintive sounds of the tropical
forest, numerous and haunting.
The word “plaintive” means
(A) cheery.
(B) abundant.
(C) frightening.
(D) mournful.
(E) loud.
12. Far from being disinterested, Kino
studied the terrain carefully in order to
attempt a certain and secure escape for
his family.
The word “disinterested” means most
nearly in this sentence
(A) angry.
(B) indifferent.
(C) cautious.
(D) melancholy.
(E) shifty.
13. The trackers looked at every broken
twig and leaf, every indentation in the
sand, indeed every germane sign that
would eventually lead them to Kino.
The word “germane” means
(A) massive.
(B) hidden.
(C) relevant.
(D) plain.
(E) disagreeable.
The setting of Steinbeck The Pearl is in a small village on the coast
14
of the Baja in Mexico. At first, Kino with his wife, Juana, are content
15
to be living in the small village. But all this changes when Kino’s son,
Coyotito, is stung by a scorpion. Kino did not realize how poor he was
until he needed money to pay for the doctor’s services to help
Coyotito. While Kino searched for pearls, Juana prays real hard that a
16
big pearl would be found. The prayer is answered, and Kino discovers
a magnanimous pearl. Kino quickly realizes that the local buyers are
17
dishonest men and becomes convinced that he can receive a better
price for his pearl in the city, which is a journey of several days on
foot. But Juana begins to think the pearl is evil and wishes to be rid of
it. Before Juana can cast the pearl into the sea, Kino catches her,
beating and kicking her. Greed and materialism has now supplanted
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Kino’s love and duty to Juana. While travelling towards the city, Kino
with his wife and child finds themselves being pursued by trackers.
19
Thinking all is hopeless, Kino is ready to give up, losing the will to run
any further, but Juana reminds him of his duty to his wife and child.
Finally, thinking there is a chance to flee to the mountains and thus
lose the trackers, Kino and his family quickly leave their camp.
14. A.
B.
C.
D.
NO CHANGE
John Steinbeck
Steinbeck’s
Steinbecks’
15. A.
B.
C.
D.
NO CHANGE
were
have been
is
16. A.
B.
C.
D.
NO CHANGE
really hard
hardly real
really hardly
17. A.
B.
C.
D.
NO CHANGE
a benevolent
an enormous
a liberal
18. A.
B.
C.
D.
NO CHANGE
has at last
having now
have now
19. A.
B.
C.
D.
NO CHANGE
himself
theirselves
itself
20. A.
B.
C.
D.
NO CHANGE
dangling modifier
fragment
run-on sentence
Answer Keys to The Pearl
Vocabulary Recognition, Lesson 1
1. bulwark
2. covey
3. plaintively
4. dank
Lesson 1
1. Coyotito slept in a hanging box.
2. The tiny movement was a scorpion moving down to Coyotito’s box.
3. Juana requested that someone fetch the doctor.
4. The beggars are the great experts in financial analysis.
5. The doctor is French.
6. Kino offers the doctor eight small misshapen seed pearls.
7. Juana prays that Kino will find a good pearl in order to hire the doctor.
8. One rope was tied to heavy rock, which pulled Kino down into the water, and the second
rope was tied to a basket.
9. The narrator describes the pearl as being the size of a sea-gull’s egg.
10. Kino and Juana discovered that Coyotito was getting well, because the baby’s swelling was
going down.
Vocabulary Recognition, Lesson 2
1. furtive
2. disparagement
3. lucent
4. dissembling
Lesson 2
1. The priest began thinking about needed repairs of the church, whether he baptized Coyotito
and married Kino and Juana.
2. The doctor began to think about Paris.
3. Kino became every man’s enemy.
4. One of the greatest talents of man that makes him superior to animals is his never being
satisfied with what he has.
5. The priest arrives at the hut of Kino and Juana.
6. Kino believed that he and his people would be trapped until they were able to read.
7. The first enemy is hunger, and the second enemy is sickness.
8. The doctor offers to put the pearl in his safe.
9. Juana suggests to Kino to destroy or to lose the pearl, because she believed the pearl to be
evil.
1
Vocabulary Recognition, Lesson 3
1. countenanced
2. collusion
3. tithe
4. stalwart
Lesson 3
1. The buyers used to be independent, but one very wealthy buyer bought all of the pearl
buyers in order to control the market.
2. The neighbors hoped the pearl would not cause Kino to become greedy and thus “destroy”
him.
3. The men did not know what would be a fair price, since they did not know was pearls were
selling for in other places.
4. The pearl buyer practices the art of deceiving not only with his hands but also with his
business.
5. The pearl was too large, and therefore was freak of nature and merely good as a curiosity.
6. The buyer sent a boy to fetch several other pearl buyers to come to his office and to give
they appraisals of the pearl.
7. If the buyers were in collusion with one another, then the villagers have been cheated their
entire lives.
8. Juana suggested that they should throw the pearl back into the ocean.
Vocabulary Recognition, Lesson 4
1. skirled
2. edifice
3. searing
4. estuary
Lesson 4
1. Juana is going to the beach to toss the pearl into the sea.
2. A man was half insane and half god.
3. Kino, in order to defend himself, killed a man with his knife.
4. The fire was created by his house being set on fire.
5. Kino takes his family into his brother’s house to escape being noticed.
6. Kino had heard that there are cities to the north and that he might be able to get a good price
for the pearl.
7. The wind would ensure that any footprints would be erased in the sand and dust.
Vocabulary Recognition, Lesson 5
1. petulant
2. monolithic
3. germane
4. disinterested
2
Lesson 5
1. Hopefully, early in the morning a wagon going to the village would destroy the footprints in
the rut.
2. The pearl must be of great value because someone was trying to steal it from Kino.
3. Kino decided to kill the man on horseback, get his rifle, and kill the other two with the gun.
4. Kino decides to flee towards the mountains.
5. Kino received strength from Juana’s refusal to leave him.
6. The pools offered life giving water to the animals, but they also offered death to smaller
animals who were unaware of nearby predators.
7. Kino instructs Juana to keep Coyotito quiet at all times.
8. Coyotito made the cry, and his name means “little coyote.”
9. After returning to his village, Kino throws the pearl back into the sea.
The Pearl
1. E
2. C
3. B
4. E
5. B
6. A
7. D
8. C
9. E
10. C
11. D
12. B
13. C
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4