What does the pearl symbolize in chapter 2?

What does the pearl symbolize in chapter 2?

The pearl elicits more and more greed on Kino’s part, as he begins to devote all his energies and possessions to protecting it (recalling the biblical parable of the pearl of great price). It thus comes to symbolize the destructive nature of materialism.

What are some quotes from the pearl?

The Pearl Quotes

• “It is not good to want a thing too much.
• “But now, by saying what his future was going to be like, he had created it.
• “For it is said that humans are never satisfied, that you give them one thing and they want something more.
• “Luck, you see, brings bitter friends.”

What does Kino do when he sees the pearl in chapter 2?

Kino opens the various oysters he had caught, leaving the largest one for last. He worries that the large pearl he saw was merely a reflection, for “in this Gulf of uncertain light there were more illusions than realities.” Finally, Kino opens the oyster to see a rich, perfectly curved pearl.

How is a pearl formed the pearl chapter 2?

Pearls, we are told, are made when a grain of sand irritates the inside of the oyster; the oyster simply coats the foreign body with layer after layer, which over time builds up a pearl. Finding one is an accident, simply good luck from God. Kino dives to the bottom with the help of a heavy rock.

What is the main conflict in chapter 2 of the pearl?

Conflicts. Coyotito has been recently stung and is facing suffering and pain. Juana, Coyotito’s mom, tried to suck out as much venom as she could, but Coyotito is still in danger without the proper treatment. Kino and Juana couldn’t afford Coyotito’s treatment.

What was the irony in chapter 2 of the pearl?

The irony here is, of course, that the canoe represents a continuation of the family tradition, since it belonged first to Kino’s father and before that to his grandfather, and yet at the end of the story, Kino will have neither a child nor a canoe to pass on to another generation.

Is the pearl evil or good?

Evil in The Pearl can appear in both man (the doctor) and nature (the scorpion); both evil man (the doctor) and good man (Kino); both ugly shape (the scorpion) and beautiful shape (the pearl). While the scorpion’s evil takes the form of lethal poison, man’s evil throughout the novel takes the form of overriding greed.

What is Chapter 3 of the pearl about?

Chapter 3 of The Pearl by John Steinbeck sees the people of the town all wanting to get their hands on Kino’s pearl. The priest tries to get a piece, the doctor tries very hard (even poisoning Kino’s baby, Coyotito), and a mysterious intruder in the night almost gets it.

What are 3 symbols in the pearl?

The pearl starts off as a symbol of hope but soon turns into a symbol of evil, greed, and destruction.

Why does Kino howl at the end of chapter 2?

After Juana approaches to look at the pearl, she instinctively goes to Coyotito and discovers that the swelling in the baby’s shoulder has disappeared. Kino, out of joy over the pearl and because of his joy over Coyotito’s recovery, lets out a howl so loud that the rest of the pearl divers race to his boat.

What is the lesson in the pearl?

The Pearl is a parable, a moral lesson, about gratitude and the dangers of greed. Because parables offer a moral lesson, being grateful for the things one already has serves as the theme.

What does scorpion symbolize in the pearl?

The scorpion symbolizes the evil that is found in nature, which is seemingly arbitrary and unmotivated, in contrast to the evil that is found in mankind, which is generally the result of selfish desire and greed.

What is chapter 4 about in the pearl?

Protesting that he has been cheated, Kino announces a plan to sell his pearl in the capital city. His outburst raises the bid to fifteen hundred pesos, but Kino will have none of it. He fiercely pushes his way out of the crowd and starts the long walk home as Juana trails after him.

What happens in chapter 3 and 4 of the pearl?

Kino and Juana sit vigil over the pearl all night. Sometime towards morning Kino sense an evil presence. He attempts to attack the intruder with his knife, but the strange man assaults him first. Kino is badly hurt in the scuffle, and by the time it is over he is only semi-conscious.

What do the beggars in the pearl represent?

In The Pearl, the beggars represent the author’s wisdom about human nature. In many ways, they operate as the chorus in Greek tragedies.

What do the ants represent in the pearl?

Ants. The ants in The Pearl, are used as symbols throughout the book and are also used to foreshadow Kino’s future. The first time they appear in chapter one, Kino watches as an ant is entrapped in an ant lion’s trap. This symbolizes Kino’s attitude by not wanting to interfere nature.

What is the main message of the parable of the pearl?

For having sold our possessions, we receive no other return greater than ourselves, (for while we were involved in such things we were not our own,) that we may again give ourselves for that pearl, not because we are of equal value to that, but because we cannot give anything more.”

What does Coyotito symbolize in the pearl?

One of the main things Coyotito symbolizes is innocence. Coyotito isn’t the one with the pearl, but he still pays the price of Kino’s foolishness. He shakes the box and reaches for the scorpion because He doesn’t know it can hurt him.

What is Chapter 5 of the pearl about?

As Kino makes his way up the beach, a group of men assaults him. Kino struggles violently as they paw and prod at him. As Kino drives his knife into one of his attackers, the men knock the pearl from his grasp. Meanwhile, some distance away from the fight, Juana gets up on her knees and begins to make her way home.

What happens in chapter 3 of the pearl?