The Pearl

Chapter One

What mood does Steinbeck create at the opening of the story?

Consider the setting, character activity, and descriptive words.

(Which sentence on page 3 best summarizes this mood?)

At what point in this chapter does the mood change?

Character Descriptions

Kino:

Juana:

Coyotito:

Doctor:

Song of the Family

•Safety•Warmth•Whole•Content

Song of Evil•Enemy•Foe of family•Threat to Coyotito•Anxiety

CompareDoctor’s Home Kino’s Home

Doctor’s Breakfast Kino’s Breakfast

Doctor’s Social Status Kino’s Social Status

The doctor and Kino are used as symbols of their communities, and represent the struggle between good and evil.

Comprehension Questions

1. What happened to Coyotito?2. How did the doctor treat Kino and his family when they went for medical attention? *And why does he behave this way?!?3. What theme(s) is/are beginning to develop? 4. Which types of conflict have we seen so far?5. Any thoughts on why Steinbeck doesn’t give the doctor a name?

Chapter Two

Song of the Pearl That Might Be•Health for Coyotito (Money to pay the doctor)•Hope•Dreams

Descriptive Writing

1. Name all the colors used on pgs. 13-14. What is the effect of using so many colors?

2. List all the verbs from paragraph two on pg. 13. How do these verbs enhance the writing?

Descriptive Writing

How does Steinbeck build up anticipation and suspense? (Look back over pages 18-19.) Which phrases are used to build suspense?

Symbolism

Canoe

Pearl

Critique

*Character Development*Plot Progression*Use of symbolism

Predictions

•What will happen next?

•How will the pearl change Juana and Coyotito?

•How will others react to their discovery?

Chapter Three

The Pearl-Character Reactions -Consider what it symbolizes to each of them.

The Priest:The Doctor:The Beggars:The Pearl Buyers:The Neighbors:

Explain Excerpts

1.“A town has a nervous system”

2.“All manner of people grew interested in Kino-”

Irony-Social Criticism

Role of Doctor:

Role of Priest:

Comprehension Questions

1. Why does Kino want his son to go to school? How would it change their lives?

2. Describe the doctor’s visits. Include: A. Kino’s reaction to the visit B. The real reason for the visit C. The two tricks the doctor plays on Kino D. Why Kino feels trapped

3. If Kino doesn’t really trust the Doctor, why would he allow him to treat Coyotito?

4. By the end of the chapter, how is Juana changing? What about Kino?

Critique

*Character Development*Plot Progression*Use of symbolism