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?