The Pearl Ch. 4

The pearl buyers all work together to trick the pearl divers and buy the pearls at unfair prices. No one went out pearl diving today. They all were going to follow Kino when he went to visit the pearl buyers. People say it will be a shame if the pearl destroys Kino and his family. This day (selling of the pearl day) is as great as the birth of Coyotito. Kino and family are clean and wear their best to go sell the pearl. Juan Tomas warns Kino to not get tricked by the pearl buyers. The pearl buyers pretend to be busy when Kino arrives. They put away the other pearls so Kino’s pearl has nothing to compare it to. Little sunlight gets into the pearl buyer’s office (it is pretty dark). When Kino shows him the pearl, the pearl buyer’s face has no expression (poker face). He says the pearl is like fool’s gold and not worth very much. He says it is too big. Kino does not believe him The buyer offers 1000 pesos. Kino knows he is being tricked. The other pearl buyers come and look at the pearl. A new pearl buyer says he will not make an offer because the pearl is no good. Another buyer says the pearl is weak and will lose its color over time. The last buyer says he will pay 500 pesos for it. Kino refuses and claims he has been cheated. The offer raises to 1500. Kino storms away saying he will go to the city and try and sell it there. “…all of us have ben cheated all of our lives.” (pg 53) Juana cleans and feeds the baby. She cooks dinner. At night, Kino goes outside their hut. Juana doesn’t want him to go out into the darkness. When he does go, he gets attacked. Juana grabs a stone from the fire pit to try and protect him. He is hurt and bleeding. Juana helps get him back into the house and provides first aid. Juana calls the pearl evil and says she wants it destroyed or thrown back into the sea. Kino says no. Says they will take the canoe and go to the city to sell the pearl.