The Pearl :: essays research papers

The Pearl, which takes place in La Paz, Mexico, begins with a commentary of the seemingly idyllic family life of kino, his wife Juana and their infant son, Coyotito. gum kino watches as Coyotito sleeps, and sees a scorpion crawl down the rope that holds the hanging concussion where Coyotito lies. kino attempts to catch the scorpion, but Coyotito bumps the rope and the scorpion falls on him. Although Kino kills the scorpion, it still stings Coyotito. Juana and Kino, accompanied by their neighbors, go to see the local doctor, who refuses to discretion Coyotito because Kino cannot pay. Kino and Juana leave the doctors and take Coyotito down near the sea, where Juana uses a seaweed poultice on Coyotitos shoulder, which is now swollen. Kino dives for oysters from his canoe, attempting to find pearls. He finds a very large oyster which, when Kino opens it, yields an immense pearl. Kino puts covering his head and howls, causing the other pearl divers to look up and race toward Kinos canoe. The news that Kino has found an immense pearl travels fast through La Paz. The doctor who refused to treat Coyotito decides to visit Kino. Kinos neighbors begin to finger bitter toward him for his good fortune, but neither Kino nor Juana realize this impression they have engendered. Juan Tomas, the brother of Kino, asks him what he testament do with his money, and he envisions getting married to Juana in a church and dressing Coyotito in a yachting cap and sailor suit. He claims that he will devote Coyotito to school and buy a rifle for himself. The local priest visits and tells Kino to remember to give thanks and to pray for guidance. The doctor also visits, and although Coyotito seems to be healing, the doctor insists that Coyotito still faces danger and treats him. Kino tells the doctor that he will pay him once he sells his pearl, and the doctor attempts to discern where the pearl is determined (Kino has buried it in the corner of his hut). That night, a thief att empts to break into Kinos hut, but Kino drives him away. Juana tells Kino that the pearl will destroy them, but Kino insists that the pearl is their one chance and that tomorrow they will sell it. Kinos neighbors respect what they would do if they had found the pearl, and suggest giving it as a donation to the Pope, buying Masses for the souls of his family, and distributing it among the poor of La Paz.