Discussion Questions
Chapter One Big Question: Steinbeck leads some of us to believe the main
1. What is a parable and why do you suppose conflict of the book is Coyotito’s scorpion sting, but it is just
Steinbeck calls our attention to this in his a complication. What is the major conflict of the book, as
preface? established in the end of Chap. One? How does Kino feel
about this conflict?
2. Who appears to be the protagonist in this
story?
3. Who would you guess the antagonists will be?
4. On pages 34 Kino has arisen and the day has
begun. What is this song he hears and what does
it suggest about how he is feeling this morning?
What other images create the mood?
5. On page 5 (1st full paragraph) the song Juana
sings is part of the family song and all of it, Kino
perceives, is part of the Whole. What Whole?
6. While Kino’s environment is safe and pleasant,
how does the picture of the ants and the
roosters underscore the struggle for the survival
in nature?
7. On page 6, what new song comes to Kino?
Why?
8. How does Juana’s reaction to the scorpion
show two sides of the Indian culture?
11. How are the homes of the poor distinguished
from the homes of the rich?
12. How is the doctor described?
13. What does the doctor’s comment on page 13
reveal about his attitude toward Indians?
Chapter 2 Big Question: What symbols have been used in Ch. 1 and Ch.
2? How do you think the symbols relate to the overall
1. How is a canoe a bulwark against starvation? message in the book?
2. How is a pearl formed?
3. What does Juana pray for? Why?
4. Explain the examples of religion and
superstition in chapter two.
5. On what two discoveries does Chapter 2 end?
6. Why does Kino howl?
7. On page 15, Steinbeck tells us that because
the mixture of air and water over the gulf creates
mirages, the Indians do not trust what they see
with their eyes. How could this fit with the theme
of “appearance versus reality”?
Chapter 3
1. In the opening what is the town compared to? Big Question: What does the pearl symbolize for the
Why do you suppose he makes this comparison? characters in the novella? Think of the town and village as a
2. How does the news of the pearl affect a) the character.
priest, b) the shopkeepers, c) the doctor, and d)
the beggars.
3. In what sense (page 23) did Kino become
“every man’s enemy”?
4. What does Kino say he will do once the pearl is
sold?
5. In the middle of page 27 Kino hears “the song
of evil” faintly. Who do you think brings it in to
Kino’s house? Give a reason for your answer.
6. As the doctor approaches, why is Kino feeling
rage (wrath)?
7. On page 30 how does Kino feel trapped by his
own ignorance?
8. After the intruder is driven off, what does
Juana say of the pearl? Why can’t Kino do it?
9. What are the pros and cons for destroying the
pearl? Think carefully about all reasons.
Chapter 4 Big Question: What are three societal or cultural rules that you
think govern Kino’s society? What are three societal or cultural
1. Why is there no longer any real competition rules that you think govern our American society?
among the pearl buyers?
2. Why is this a big day for the entire village?
3. What is suggested by the priest’s sermon on
pages 4445?
4. What might lead Kino and his brother to
believe this? What might lead them to be
suspicious of the priest’s sermon?
5. How does the pearl buyer devalue the pearl?
6. How is the village divided on Kino’s actions
with the pearl buyer?
7. Why is Kino’s brother afraid for him? 14. Kino’s
brother, Juan Tomas, is older and wiser. What
insightful comment does he make about their
friends? (page 53)
8. What does Kino say this time when Juana
again says they should get rid of the pearl
because it brings evil? What is implied in his
answer?
9. At this point do you think Kino is right or is he
just being stupid and willful?
10. What plans do they make for the next day?
Chapter 5 Big Question: What three major events in Chapter Five
break Kino’s ties with the town and make him an
1. What does Juana try to do with the pearl? Why? What outsider? Do you think he could become part of the town
does Kino do? again in the future? Why or why not?
2. What happens on the beach? What happens to the
pearl?
3. Given a second opportunity after finding the pearl on
the sand, why does Juana not get rid of it?
4. Why will it not matter that Kino killed the man in
selfdefense?
5. As they head for home, what two discoveries do they
make? What does this signify?
6. What is Juan Tomas’ opinion of the pearl at this point?
7. What is Kino’s comment on the pearl on page 65? In
what sense might this be true?
Chapter 6
1. Why is Kino more convinced than ever that the pearl is Big Question: Is Kino’s throwing away the pearl a sign of
of great value? defeat or triumph? Why?
2. What awakens him from his sleep? 4. Who does Kino
see in the road? Why does he say they will be back?
3. Why does Kino consider letting the trackers take him?
What does Juana say that convinces him not to?
4. Why does Juana reject Kino’s plan to separate?
5. How are the mountain pools places of both life and
death for the animals in the area? What might this
foreshadow?
6. What plan does Kino make to get rid of the trackers?
What happens to disrupt his plan? onors English I The
Pearl
7. In their return to the village, what is unusual in the
manner that they are walking? What might this signify?
8. In Chapter 1 when Kino first looked at the pearl he saw
a church wedding for Juana and himself. On page 86
what does he see in the pearl now?
