The Pearl

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The Pearl

• By John Steinbeck

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Three Themes in The Pearl

• The struggle for survival
• Oppression and social class
• Corruption by material wealth

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The Pearl is a parable.

• A short story that teaches a universal truth

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Chapter One

• FamilySafety, warmth, the Whole
• Evilany foe of the family
• Watch for the songs
• Juana combines old/new ways.
• Setting contrasts old/new rich/poor
• For oppressed class Rage and terror went
  together.

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Chapter One, cont.

• Why is it surprising that Juana wants a doctor?

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Chapter Two

• Settingmirages cause people to trust
  imagination, not eyes
• Why is the canoe so important?
• Why is it not good to want a thing too much?
• What dreams do you think Kino sees in the
  pearl?

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Chapter Two, cont.

• Notice!
• Pearlaccident of nature

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Chapter Three

• Note reactions of priest, shopkeeper, doctor,
  beggars.
• Why is Kino every mans enemy?
• Of what luxuries does Kino dream?
• Why doesnt Kino recognize the priests song
  of evil?

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Chapter Three, cont.

• How does the doctor prove that Kino is trapped
  without an education?
• How do the priest and doctor prove themselves
  to be evil men?
• Luck, you see, brings bitter friends.
• What bitter friends does luck bring Kino and
  Juana?

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Chapter Three, cont.

• Note how Kino changes throughout the book.

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Chapter Four

• Mexican Indians believed they were meant to
  remain in their birthplace.
• This was reinforced by priests.
• Note that Kinos strength comes from Juana.
• Kino defies the whole way of life
• How do the people react?

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Chapter Four, cont.

• Steinbeck never identifies either the intruder or
  the attacker.
• Why?

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Chapter Five
Kino
Contented Family Man
Alone Unprotected
A Brooding Hate
Violent
He was an animal now.
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Chapter SixIllusion vs. Reality
ILLUSION REALITY
Rifle Body w/slit throat
Marriage Beaten Juana
Education for Coyotito Sickened Coyotito
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Chapter SixReturn to Village

• Change in relationship
• Have they finally achieved true marriage?
• they had gone through pain and had come out on
  the other side.
• Does this mean they will be OK?

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Chapter Six, cont.
Pearl of the World
my misfortune
Gray, ulcerous, evil
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Chapter Six, cont.

• At the end of the book, Juana and Kino are still
  a family!