about what you and record what you think about what you

A FEMINIST APPROACH TO THE PEARL BY: ALYSSA VALLEJO JESSICA CHEN XOCHILT HERRERA ZOE CODDINGTON

What is Feminism? the advocacy of women's rights on the grounds of political, social, and economic equality to men.

Feminism and the Text In Steinbeck’s novella, The Pearl, there have been many instances where sexism is said through the text. If we were to look at the text in a feminist perspective, we would see a different side to the story, and it might even change your opinions or perspective on the story itself.

Is Sexism Really Represented in the Text? In chapter 1 there are instances in the text where it reveals everyone has a role to play:  The woman's role is to be the housewife. Meaning, the woman takes care of the children, cleans the house, and cooks for the family.  The man ’ s role is to work and earn money for the family

Evidence There are many points in the story that supports some feminists’ theory of sexism in the text. In the scene where Coyotito is stung by the scorpion, there is an abundance of examples relating to this theory.  “…Kino had it, had it in his fingers, rubbing it into paste in his hands.” (page 7) This reveals and supports Kino’s role in the story. It shows that Kino is the “man of the house” and takes charge when needed.  “Under her breath Juana repeated an ancient magic to guard against such evil…” (page 6) This reveals that Juana doesn’t leap into action but rather blends into the background while she lets Kino attempt to protect Coyotito.

Testimony or The Truth? From the examples, we can infer that Juana appeared to be as less important compared to Kino in this situation. Like, the scene could have gone on without her completely. Many feminists would argue that this is unfair and very stereotypical. Many would testify that Juana should be represented as more independent and dominate.

Turning the Tables?  Once Coyotito is stung, Juana motherly instincts kick in and she attempts to remove as much venom before it spreads. “ She found the puncture with redness starting from it already. She put her lips down over the puncture and sucked hard and spat and sucked again while Coyotito screamed. ” (pg.8) And during this, Kino appears to be useless. While this shows Juana has become more dominant and independent, but Kino still believes his wife is still a “ woman ”. “ She, who was obedient and respectful and cheerful and patient …” (pg9) He uses the term “ obedient ” to express his belief that a woman should listen to her man. Do you believe his belief?

6/13/2016 "Perhaps Juana had sucked out the poison in time, but she had not sucked out her worry over her first born." ~Chapter 2, pg.20  This section of the story explains how Juana was basically in charge of taking care of Coyotito and she was responsible for him. Kino on the other hand, barely ever helped with the baby. It was like Juana had certain expectations she needed to meet as a woman.

6/13/2016 "Juana's eyes were on him and she could not wait. She put her hand on Coyotito's covered head. "Open it," she said softly. ~ Chapter 2, pg. 25  This quote from the story shows that Juana was filled with excitement, yet she responded in a very quiet voice. It was as if Kino was in control of her and she was always supposed to do as told, and when she spoke up she had to be careful and think about what she would say.

6/13/2016 "Juana cast her eyelashes down and arranged her shawl....so that her excitement could not be seen." Chapter 3, pg.31  This quote shows how Juana was afraid to show strong emotions such as excitement. She had to hide her excitement so other people wouldn't find out. Why can Kino so openly show his emotions while Juana can only stay by his side. She can't even reflect his emotions of anger because she didn't dare to. Juana kept a calm face while she was desperate and angry on the inside.

6/13/2016 He spoke softly, "We will we married- in the church." ~ Chapter 3, pg. 31  After he found the pearl, Kino started seeing a brighter future for all of them. He told Juana they were going to get married, in the church. Ever though it was their marriage, Kino decided when and where without asking Juana was a women's opinion wasn't important. Juana, being submissive, agreed without protesting like she always does.

6/13/2016 "You must go up there....." he said. Without question...Juana sat in the cave entrance and watched him. ~Chapter 3, pg.106  In this quote, Steinbeck said "Without a question" which means Juana did what Kino told her without asking why. She just did it quietly and obediently. Within the whole book, Juana has never said no or stated her opinion against Kino before. She always agreed and did what she was told, not because she actually agreed, but because she couldn't disagree.

6/13/2016 "...You must see that he [Coyotito] does not cry." [Kino] "He will not cry." [Juana] ~Chapter 6, pg.107  As seen in the quote above, Kino told (commanded) Juana to see to the baby. Once again, Juana submissively obeyed and told Kino that Coyotito was not cry. Due to the time period, Juana had to do what Kino said because the men was educated more and was always expected to be right. In a marriage back in the early 1900s, the men was always right in the family and the women's voice was either always really soft, or not there at all. Even Juana herself will always believe that Kino is right, but as we all know, men and women are both human and we make mistakes. It is impossible for one person to always be right which is what males in the early 1900s were portrayed as.

6/13/2016 "....[they walked] not single file, as usual, but side by side. [...]Juana carried her shawl like a sack over her shoulder." ~ Chapter 6, pg.115  In this quote, Steinbeck emphasized that this time, Juana walked side by side with Kino, but usually, she walks behind him. I think this shows how women are portrayed to be in the back, only supporting their husband, but they never voice their own opinion. It also said that Juana was the one that was carrying Coyotito's body, not Kino, even though, as a man, he could've helped her out. Steinbeck also described Kino as a "storm" while Juana was only described as a grieving mother. Throughout the book, Juana's emotion were always written to be weak and not as strong as Kino's emotions

Get a Partner  Select 1 example from the graphic organizer on the board for the attitudes expressed in the text on marriage and gender roles for both men and women.  Record transcripts & video record a 2 minute presentation for the following:  1. the context  2. The specific example & chapter  3. The category  4. What it means  5. Your analysis of it.  to me 6/13/2016

Sample Video 6/13/2016