The Pearl

by John Steinbeck

CHAPTER I

I. COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS.

1. In spite of his poverty, Kinno was a happy man. Choose and quote three sentences which may prove it. 2. Quote the sententes that best explain the following: a. The close relationship between Kino and Juana. b. The strong antagonism between the two races. c. The influence of the white race on the habits, customs, etc. of the Indians.

II. LITERARY DEVICES.

1. How does the writer structure the chapter? Make divisions between the different parts and find the climax. 2. All throughout the novel, there are two groups of people who are never treated individually. Which are they? Explain the use that Steinbeck makes of them.

CHAPTER II

I. LITERARY DEVICES

1. Quote the metaphors and similes to describe the big pearl and the song.

II. COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS.

1. A King of Spain is mentioned. Which king do you think the author is refering to? Explain your reasons. 2. How is the pearl formed? 3. Why did the swarms of fish live near the bed of oysters? 4. There are references to the confusion that the Indians had about religion. Chose two instances. 5. What is so queer about the Gulf? Quote: a. The paragraph that best explains it. b. The most meaningful sentence. c. The sentences that best summarize the effect of this environment on the Indians.

CHAPTER III

I. COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS

1 1. When the news of the finding of the pearl reached the town, how did it affect: a. the priest. b. the shopkeepers. c. the beggars d. the pearl buyer 2. Among all of Kino’s dreams, which as the most exciting? What is its symbolism? 3. Why does the priest use “strange” words” 4. Could you give me examples of : a. the acute sensitivity of the Indians. b. the relationship between the couple. 5. Explain the different way in which Kino and Juana reacted after the night attack.

CHAPTER IV

I. COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS

1. Is this statement true?: “He who worked for the lowest price gets promotion/ reward /profits? 2. What were the most remarkable characteristics of the pearl buyer who dealt with Kino? 3. “The pearl buyer’s face showed no sign of admiration” How do you know that he was impressed by the pearl’s appearance? 4. The neighbours reached different conclusions from Kino’s affair with the dealer. Which is the most terrible of them all? 5. Which words of Juan Tomás do you think are the key to the moral in the novel?

II. LITERARY DEVICES

1. Find the devices used to explain: a. Kino’s feelings when he realized that the dealer was trying to cheat him. b. the attack that Kino suffered.

CHAPTER V

I. COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS

1. Why did Juana try to throw the pearl into the sea? 2. How did Juana stand Kino’s beating? Why? 3. When did Juana realise that they had been defeated? 4.In what way could Kino represent a great hero? 5. Quote the sentences where Kino acknowledges his tragedy 6. What is the importance of the last dialogue between Kino and Juan Tomás?

2 CHAPTER VI

I. GENERAL QUESTIONS

1. Why was Kino so certain that the pearl was valuable? 2. How important is Juana’s refusal to leave Kino? 3. How are we reminded of the couple’s tragic loss before Coyotito’s death? 4. How does the tragic ending affect the relationship between the couple?

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