1. The Pearl
By John Steinbeck

2. Three Themes in The Pearl
The struggle for survival
Oppression and social class
Corruption by material wealth

3. The Pearl is a parable.
A short story that teaches a universal truth

4. Chapter One Family=Safety, warmth, the Whole
Evil=“any foe of the family”
Watch for the songs
Juana combines old/new ways.
Setting contrasts old/new; rich/poor
For oppressed class “Rage and terror went together.”

5. Chapter One, cont.
***Why is it surprising that Juana wants a doctor?

6. Chapter Two
Setting—mirages cause people to trust imagination, not eyes
***Why is the canoe so important?
***Why is it not good to want a thing too much?
***What dreams do you think Kino sees in the pearl?

7. Chapter Two, cont.
Notice!
Pearl=accident of nature

8. Chapter Three Note reactions of priest, shopkeeper, doctor, beggars.
***Why is Kino every man’s enemy?
***Of what “luxuries” does Kino dream?
***Why doesn’t Kino recognize the priest’s song of evil?

9. Chapter Three, cont.
***How does the doctor prove that Kino is trapped without an education?
***How do the priest and doctor prove themselves to be evil men?
“Luck, you see, brings bitter friends.”
***What bitter friends does luck bring Kino and Juana?

10. Chapter Three, cont.
Note how Kino changes throughout the book.

11. Chapter Four
Mexican Indians believed they were meant to remain in their birthplace.
This was reinforced by priests.
Note that Kino’s strength comes from Juana.
Kino defies “the whole way of life”
***How do the people react?

12. Chapter Four, cont.
Steinbeck never identifies either the intruder or the attacker.
***Why?

13. Chapter Five Kino Contented Family Man Alone & Unprotected A Brooding
Hate
Violent
“He was an
animal now.”

14. Chapter Six Illusion vs. Reality
Rifle
Body w/slit throat
Marriage
Beaten Juana
Education for Coyotito
Sickened Coyotito

15. Chapter Six Return to Village
Change in relationship
***Have they finally achieved true marriage?
“…they had gone through pain and had come out on the other side.”
***Does this mean they will be OK?

16. Chapter Six, cont. Pearl of the World “my misfortune” Gray, ulcerous,
evil

17. Chapter Six, cont.
At the end of the book, Juana and Kino are still a family!