The Pearl - Chapter 6 Essential Questions

At the end of chapter 5, Kino and Juana's journey has taken a new and unexpected turn. They've both changed as characters and we see a much harder, harsher version of them. They are now prepared to flee from La Paz. Please consider the following questions regarding chapter 6:

1. After chapter 5, Kino has become an “animal”. How is that further developed in chapter 6. Think both of prey and predator.
2. On page 37, Kino looks into his Pearl again, seeking his visions inside it. What does he see instead? How does this play into the changes we see in the meaning of the Pearl and the simultaneous change in Kino?
3. When Kino and Juana arrive home, what is the significance of the way that they walk into the city, “not walking in single file, Kino ahead and Juana behind, as usual, but side by side”? What does this say about the character development of Juana and Kino?
4. What is the significance of Kino throwing the Pearl back into the Gulf and it settling into the “lovely green water” with the “waving branches of the algae call[ing] to it and [beckoning] to it.” Are there any implications to the theme of oppression and the “new world” that Kino and Juana had entered, leaving the old behind. Have they gained anything or is the whole experience one of loss? In other words, is there any hope?

The Pearl - Chapter 5 Essential Questions

At the end of chapter 4, Kino has rejected the paltry offers of the pearl buyers and stormed home in a righteous rage of indignation about the "system" that he lives in. He is determined to go with Juana and Coyotito to the capital and sell the Pearl there.

1. Throughout this chapter, we see Kino’s descent into an defensive animal. How specifically do we see this (give some references) and how does this play into the animal imagery portrayed thus far in the story? Where in the story does he become fully animal (Hint...after this event the story says, “he was an animal now, for hiding, for attacking, and he lived only to preserve himself and his family.”)
2. Consider the character of Juana after her husband physically abused her. What does it say about her and Kino’s relationship that there “was no anger in her for Kino. He had said: ‘I am a man’ and that meant certain things to Juana”.  Is this a healthy relationship and respect for a man? Is this too, somewhat bound to the time-period and culture to which this story is set? How has your opinion of Kino changed? What about for Juana?
3. What convinces Juana and further drives Kino’s determination to leave La Paz and sell the Pearl elsewhere? Why was the “killing of a man...not so evil as the killing of a boat?” 
4. At the end of chapter 5, Kino says in answer to Juan Tomás’ question about whether or not he will give up the Pearl that “this pearl has become my soul...If I give it up I shall lose my soul” (p. 35). How has the Pearl and what it symbolized changed? Perhaps tie it into Kino’s thoughts on the Pearl earlier on the page: “I might have been given it as a gift, but now it is my misfortune and my life.” Are we convinced Kino intends to sell the Pearl, even if he makes it to the capital?

The Pearl - Chapter 4 Essential Questions

At the end of chapter 3, Kino and Juana decide to go sell the Pearl in the morning. Chapter 4 sees them going to the town to sell the Pearl.

1. On pg. 22, we read of Kino’s neighbors dreaming of what they would do if they had the Pearl. It mentions  that they “hoped that sudden wealth...would not make a rich man of him, would not graft onto him the evil limbs of greed and hatred and coldness.” Despite knowing the Pearl would give Kino much money, why don’t they want him to become a “rich man”? How is this related to the oppression they’ve experienced and how is it somewhat ironic that they don’t want him to get greedy when we consider the “black distillate” of the metaphorical scorpion that has returned?
2. What do we make of the sermon the Priest makes every year, referenced near the bottom of pg. 23. In what ways is the point of the sermon true? In what ways is it a twisting and manipulation of religion to suit an agenda (perhaps also linked to the idea that the sermon is made every year). 
3. Throughout Kino’s interaction with the Pearl Buyer, there is constant references to the coin that the Buyer twirls and works with his fingers. It winks in and out of sight. It’s mechanical and precise. It’s flashing and disappearing. What do we make of this Pearl Buyer and his coin? Think about the meaning of a coin, what it is doing, how the Buyer is manipulating it, and, even, perhaps how it is linked to the way the People of the Gulf never trust their eyes.
4. Pg. 28 gives a sobering perspective on Kino’s life: “Kino had lost his old world and he must clamber on to a new one.” Juan Tomás mentions that he is afraid for Kino because he has “defied not the pearl buyers, but the whole structure, the whole way of life...it is new ground you are walking on, you do not know the way.” Kino’s neighbors also have their thoughts on Kino’s decision (bottom of pg. 27). Kino clearly believes he needs to “fight this thing” so that he will “win over it” and give his family their chance to break free. Kino declares several times, as rationale for his decision, that he “is a man.” What does he mean by this? Is Kino being pig-headed/stubborn? Foolish for destroying his life and jeopardizing his people? Brave and courageous? A mix?