THE PEARL
Examination Questions CHAPTER I
1. 'Kino awakened in the near dark. The stars still shone and the day had drawn only a pale wash of light." ....... Describe the daily routines of Kino and Juana's life and what they did before they saw the scorpion.
When Kino woke up, it was dark. The dawn was still hovering in the east where only a dim light had appeared to proclaim the coming of dawn. The animals and birds had already begun their day while the waves were striking against the beach with an increasing tempo. It sounded like a pleasant melody and though Kino was wide awake, he closed his eyes to enjoy this music for a while. After some time he stood up, as it was dawn now. He went out and sat beside the brush house, gazing at the clouds over the sea.
As usual, Juana had already woken up. She lay on the mat beside Kino looking at him till Kino woke up. She stood up and became busy with her duties. She lighted a fire, and then worked the corn on the grinding stone. She was cooking the cakes for the breakfast. She took the baby out of its hanging box and nursed him tenderly. After cleaning him, she put him to her breast for feeding. She sang him an old song that was short but had a variety of intervals.
Kino felt that all these things were a dear part of his life. Everything about the house and family conveyed a unique experience. They all stood in a special relation for him and created in him emotions of deep association. He loved even his pigs. There were other women besides Juana and other pigs besides his own, but Kino felt no attachment to them.
When the sun became warm, Kino entered the brush house and sat on the floor. He broke a corn cake and ate it with sauce. He drank a little pulque after it. When he had eaten his breakfast, Juana took hers. During this time they did not talk much. It was just a habit with them and they did not need conversation to understand each other. Little gestures and expressions were quite as meaningful. So when Kino sighed with satisfaction, it meant a lot to Juana.
2. "It was a tiny movement that drew their eyes to the hanging box. Down the rope that hung the baby's box from the roof support a scorpion moved slowly." ..... Describe what happened next.
Kino and Juana's eyes caught a movement and they looked towards the cradle. They were terrified to see a scorpion coming down one of the ropes, which supported the cradle. So great was the scare that they were frozen in their positions and could not move for some time. They were concerned for the baby. Then Kino realised the danger and tried to reach near the scorpion. He did not want to alert it, so he was moving rather slowly. Suddenly the baby shook the rope. The scorpion fell on Coyotito's shoulder and stung there. Kino got hold of the scorpion and rubbed it into a paste between his fingers.
Juana was praying as well as uttering a few magic words to guard off the danger. But now she rushed forward and took up the baby in her arms. She found the wound on the baby's shoulder and started sucking and spitting out the poison. Kino, in his anger, was crushing the scorpion under his foot. The baby cried with pain. The neighbours heard the screams of the baby and rushed to Kino's house to find out what had happened.
Kino was standing helplessly. He did not know what to do to save his son's life. Juana had stopped sucking to ask Kino to take their son to the doctor. They set off for the doctor's house. The neighbours accompanied them. On the way to the town, other people joined them. Everyone was eager to know how the greedy and lazy doctor would behave.
They reached the doctor's house followed by a large crowd. Kino was reluctant to knock at the door. The doctor, who was a foreigner, belonged to the privileged class. His people had always hated Kino's race. The foreigners had exploited them for the last four hundred years. Kino felt afraid as well as angry when he came across one of them.
It was after a great effort that he found the courage to knock at the gate. He stood waiting for some time. At last a servant came to the door. Kino told him about his son but the servant decided to inform the doctor himself. The doctor was having his breakfast. He became furious to know that an Indian wanted his services. He sent the servant to find out whether he could pay for the treatment. The servant came to the gate and asked Kino if he could pay the doctor's fee. Kino handed him some seed pearls, which seemed worthless on the face. The servant went in again but was soon back. He returned the pearls and said the doctor had gone to attend a serious case.
Kino felt himself slighted and insulted. The neighbours and the other people who had crowded around him left hurriedly so that he didn’t feel ashamed due to their presence. Kino and Juana, however, stood at the gate for a long time. They were deeply worried and did not know what to do for their baby.
CHAPTER II
1. "Kino and Juana slid the canoe down the beach to the water; when the bow floated, Juana climbed while Kino pushed the stern in and waded beside it until it floated lightly and trembled on the little breaking waves." ......... This sentence has been taken from Chapter II. Describe how Kino found the great pearl.
Kino and Juana climbed into their boat and rode towards the oyster bed. They prayed for and hoped to find a pearl with which to arrange for their son's treatment. After some time they reached there. They could see other boats at some distance. This was the place where Kino and his people had dived for pearls for the last so many centuries.
In some mysterious way, a grain of sand entering the flesh of an oyster was changed into a pearl. The body started coating the grain with fine cement so that it did not hurt the flesh. The fishermen collected these oysters from the bottom of the sea and opened their shells to look for pearls in there. It was extremely rare to find a pearl, however. Yet, Kino was very hopeful about his chance that day. In fact, he needed luck very badly for the sake of his son's life. He also knew that Juana was praying for it with all her heart. He hoped that gods would favour them at this serious juncture of their lives.
Kino took off his clothes and dived into the water. Being strong and healthy he could stay down for over two minutes without feeling any strain. Therefore, he was working very slowly and carefully. He was picking up only large oysters and put them in his basket. He moved ahead and turned beside a mound. Suddenly he saw a large oyster lying there under the cover of the rock. Its shell was partly open. His heart began to beat as he saw something shining inside the oyster. Kino picked it up from there and, holding it against his chest, came up to the surface of the water.
Kino was very excited when he climbed into the boat. Juana saw his excitement but she managed to hide her feelings. She knew it was not good to desire a thing too much as it sometimes caused bad luck. But, when he opened a small oyster, Juana could not wait and asked him to open the large one. Kino had been reluctant to open it before because he feared that it might be empty. But now he cut the large oyster with a knife and parted the folds of its flesh. And there he saw a large pearl. It was very beautiful and large such that they had never seen a pearl like that before.
Juana came close to look at the pearl in Kino's hand. She realised that her prayers were granted. Now they could arrange the necessary medical treatment for their son. She went to the place where Coyotito lay and removed the poultice from his shoulder. She saw that the swelling had ended. It meant that the baby was getting well and was out of danger. She was so excited that she shouted to Kino. This was a really great moment in their lives. Their son was now well and they had come across such a great fortune. Kino felt so excited that he could not control his emotions. He put back his head and howled loudly. All the other boatmen were surprised and they rushed towards Kino's boat.
CHAPTER III
1. "Kino's fist closed over the pearl, and his emotions broke over him. ……………… they paddled their boats towards Kino's canoe." Describe how the news was received in the town.
The news about Kino's finding the pearl spread very quickly. Within no time, the town was ringing with the news. Almost everyone in the town knew about it. His neighbours wondered how such fortune could come to a man. They knew Kino would become rich after he had sold the pearl but they liked him and wished the riches did not spoil him. Kino and Juana were happy and excited. They thought everyone in the town shared their joy. However, the pearl had aroused hopes and expectations and many a people wanted to steal Kino's pearl or cheat him somehow.
The priest heard the news while walking in his garden. He felt it was an opportunity to get a big share for himself. He knew that Kino would now come to the church. It was his duty to take care of his religious needs. And so he wondered whether he had christened his son or even married them. He favoured Kino with a visit in the evening to give him a bit of advice but since his visit was insincere, Kino was aware of the music of the evil.
The doctor, too, heard the news, and it made him remember Paris where he had lived in the past. He wanted to steal the pearl and enjoy living there again. When Kino brought his son to him for treatment, he refused to attend to them. Now he claimed that Kino's son was his patient. He also visited Kino's house in the evening although he had never been to the brush houses ever before. The doctor was a cunning person and he trapped Kino quite easily. He also managed to find out the place where Kino had hidden the pearl.
There were many pearl buyers in the town but they all were the agents of one man who owned the entire business. When they knew about Kino's pearl, they began to aspire that their owner died so that they could start their own business. They were making plans and schemes how to deceive Kino and buy his pearl for the lowest possible price.
The shopkeepers heard about it with the hope that men's clothes and other articles in their shops would sell for good price. Even the beggars in front of the church were delighted with the news. They felt sure that Kino would be very generous when he got rich. So they expected a large sum as alms.
The pearl had created an unhealthy atmosphere. Everyone believed that he could realise all his dreams if only he could steal Kino’s pearl somehow. In fact, almost everyone in the town considered Kino as his enemy. Kino did not know about the changes brought by the pearl and was unaware of the dangers that now surrounded him. He thought of his bright future and had no idea the whole town had become his enemy.
2. "What will you do now that you have become a rich man." Kino looked into his pearl.".... Describe the things that Kino had wished all his life in vain and which seemed now possible to attain.
At first, Kino did not know what to say to Juan Tomas' question. He never talked much so he just looked into surface of the pearl and immediately found the courage to speak. The pearl was shining brightly. In its mirror like surface, Kino could see the things that he had wished in vain. It was like a magic ball in which he could see his dreams. He saw there the images of those things that he had once desired but had failed to get them. The pearl was there now with all its promises of security and happiness. It gave him the confidence that now he could have all his wishes.
Kino had always wanted to get married in the church like other rich people. Until now, he could not pay for the marriage service, and so this desire had remained unfulfilled. The situation was, however, changed now, and Kino saw in the surface of the pearl that he and Juana were bowing at the high altar. Since now they could pay for it, they were getting married in the church. This started a train of most wonderful and delightful images.
He saw that they all were dressed in new clothes. Juana was wearing a brand new shawl and she had sandals on her feet while Kino had shoes. He was dressed in new clothes and wore a fine felt hat. Coyotito was, however, wearing the finest clothes. He was dressed in a blue suit and a boating cap.
Kino had lost his harpoon last year. He saw that he was carrying a new harpoon. Suddenly he thought of buying a rifle. This was something he had never even imagined before. The pearl had inspired him with a new vitality. All barriers were now giving way. Impossible things were becoming possible. He was so rich now that he could easily buy a gun and he saw himself holding a short rifle.
This idea struck all his neighbours with surprise. They sat tongue-tied and could find no words to show surprise at Kino's courage and imagination. Juana was astonished, too. She had no idea that Kino had such wisdom and courage. But the greatest ambition, the prime desire of his life was yet to be uttered.
Then Kino saw in the luminous surface of the pearl that Coyotito was reading at school. He was learning how to read things that were in the books. For Kino's race, books were sacred documents. They believed whatever they were told was in the books. Kino had his suspicions about these things but since he could not read he could never be sure whether the things preached by the foreigners were really there in the books or not. Now the pearl had provided him with a unique chance to find the truth for himself.
This was the greatest thing that the pearl would do for them. If his son learnt reading, he would know the truth about all the things that were said to be in the books. They would know the facts through Coyotito, one of his own people, and would not have to depend on others for knowledge. Certainly it would be a great thing that the pearl would do for them.
In a short time, he saw all these images in the pearl. The excitement was so great it transformed Kino almost completely. By nature, Kino preferred silence and never talked much. But the pearl had given him hopes and ideas to talk about and he boldly planned about the future. Then all of a sudden, Kino realised that he had been talking too much, and he immediately became silent. He closed his fist on the pearl and there were no more images in its surface. He had never talked so many words all his life.
Actually the pearl had created a spell over him. It had made him excited, and for a short while he was released from his own world of limitations and conventions. The images were in his own mind, which was opened to him by the magic of the pearl. Once he thought of the barriers, he felt afraid of looking into the future, which was in the hands of gods. Hence there were no more images in the pearl.
The neighbours in their homes discussed Kino’s ambitions. They were sure they had seen a miracle and that it was a great day which they would discuss for many years to come. If Kino succeeded in his plans they would remember this day with excitement. They would tell each other how they had personally seen this miracle and knew right then that Kino was going to become a great man. They would claim that Kino looked a man transfigured and that he was given some strange power. However, if Kino failed in achieving these desires, they would remember the day in an altogether different spirit. They would then say that Kino was acting very foolishly. He spoke mad words and they knew right then that Kino was going to be punished for his irreligious boasting.
3. ”Standing in the door he saw two men approach... And Kino saw that one was the doctor and the other his servant". ……… Narrate what happened next till the point where the doctor left Kino's house after his second visit.
Kino remembered his insult this morning. Now that his son was well he did not need the doctor. He stood in the door blocking the way and did not let him in. The doctor said that he was not home when Kino brought his son for treatment. However, he came himself as soon as he found the time. Kino told him that his son was all right now. The doctor was a very clever and cunning person. He shifted his bag in front so that Kino could see his tools. He talked very politely and told Kino that the baby was still in danger. He said that the scorpion's sting had often a curious effect. Sometimes it would seem as if the patient had recovered but the poison attacked later. In such a case, the baby might die or at least would become crippled.
Kino was trapped as usual. He could not take the risk with his son's life or health. The doctor knew better than he did and he might be telling the truth. He, therefore, allowed him to enter the house and examine the baby. The doctor pretended that the baby was still in danger. He gave him some medicine saying that it might save the baby from any harm. Anyhow he promised to visit Kino's house again after an hour so as to avoid any risk.
Coyotito became sick soon after. He started vomiting. It was a definite sign of danger and an indication that enough poison had gone inside. After an hour, the doctor came again. He examined the baby and said that the poison had attacked. He gave the baby some medicine, which stopped vomiting. The doctor now claimed that he had saved Coyotito's life.
Just before leaving, he asked Kino when he would pay him for the treatment. Kino said he would pay him his fee as soon as he had sold his pearl. The doctor put up an act and said he did not know about it. He offered to keep the pearl in a safe place for him. Kino rejected the offer saying that it was quite safe with him. The doctor had come just to find out where the pearl was hidden. He played a trick on Kino. He said it would be a shame if it were stolen. Kino looked fearfully towards the corner where the pearl was buried.
4. "Juana sitting by the fire hole, watched him with questioning eyes and when he had buried the pearl, she asked, ‘Who do you fear.’ 'Everyone'." Narrate the events of that night till the end of Chapter III.
It was quite dark in the brush house when Kino woke up from his sleep. He thought he had heard a sound. He stared in the darkness, but could not see anything. He was about to think that he had imagined the sound but Juana’s hand touched his arm to caution him. This time he heard a low sound of breathing and knew for certain there was someone in the house. The sound had come from the corner of the brush house. Someone was scratching the dust floor.
Kino was frightened but then he became angry and the anger gave him strength. He took out his knife and rushed at the dark figure in the corner of the house. He missed his target in the first attack and attacked again. This time he hit him but just then received a blow over the head and fell down on the floor. He heard the sound of rushing and then it was complete silence.
Juana was terrified and called to him in panic while Kino was finding his way back to the mat. Kino said he was all right but Juana lit a candle and looked at Kino in its light. She saw that blood was coming down his forehead. She soaked one end of her shawl into water and washed Kino's forehead with it. She was feeling uneasy and muttered something in whispers. She could not suppress her feelings for long and at last she burst out. She told Kino that the pearl was evil. It had brought them only bad luck. She feared that the pearl would destroy them and requested him to throw the pearl back into the sea.
He was determined to face the challenge. This was their only chance. He had to do something to make his son free. If he got education, he would have a better chance. He spoke softly to satisfy her. He said that they would sell the pearl in the morning and so would get rid of its evil. Kino dug out his pearl and looked into its surface. The beauty of the pearl beguiled his mind and he smiled. Juana was watching her husband and so she, too, smiled. The dawn was in sight now and they began this day with a new hope.
CHAPTER IV
1 "The news of the approach of the procession ran ahead of it, and in their little dark offices the pearl buyers stiffened.”... Describe what happened next till the point where Kino says his pearl is not for sale here
The news about Kino's approach reached much earlier. The pearl buyers were eagerly waiting for his arrival. They were the agents of one man who owned the entire business. The owner had made them sit in different offices to give the impression of competition. Each buyer was therefore remembering his part in the game. These dealers were assigned different roles, and each one knew what price he would offer and what techniques to use for cutting down the price.
Kino entered a shop whose owner seemed to be a very kind person. Kino told him he had a pearl to sell. The dealer told Kino he would make him the best offer and wished to see the pearl. Kino knew by instinct how to create his dramatic effects. He slowly took out the pearl and then threw all at once it in the tray. The dealer was certainly struck by its beauty but managed to hide his feelings. Instead he pulled a long face and told Kino that it was not a pearl. He said there was no market for such things; however, he was willing to pay a thousand pesos for it. He expected to sell it to some museum. On hearing his price the crowd began to grumble and Kino accused the shopkeeper that he was trying to cheat him. The dealer suggested that Kino should show his pearl to the other dealers if he thought the offer was not fair. He called three other buyers to his shop who all pretended that Kino's pearl was not valuable. They claimed that it was not even a pearl. Kino knew they were trying to cheat him. So, he snatched the pearl and put it back in his pocket. He said he would go to the capital to sell his pearl. The dealers realised they had played too hard and would be disciplined for their failure. Therefore, the first dealer revised his offer to fifteen hundred pesos. Kino refused to deal with them, saying that they all were cheats.
2 "When the evening came the neighbors in the brush houses discussed the great theme of the morning…. but they had never seen such a pearl before" ..... Describe the events that happened after it till the end of Chapter
Kino had refused to sell his pearl to the dealers in La Paz. This was rather strange and the neighbours discussed in their homes whether Kino had behaved wisely or not. A few thought that Kino was a fool. The dealers knew better about the value of pearls and Kino should have sold his pearl for fifteen hundred pesos. It was a great deal of money for a man like Kino. They were afraid that Kino would regret his decision later when he found no buyer for his pearl in the capital. Others thought that Kino had done right and they all would benefit from his courage.
Kino, in fact, felt deeply worried. He had said he would go to the capital for selling his pearl but now he felt afraid. The pearl buyers had apparently tried to cheat him but he had been afraid of strange places and strangers all his life. He had never gone out of La Paz and now he would have to go to the capital, which was a thousand miles away. He did not know what to do. He was sitting near the fireplace when his brother came to see him. Juan Tomas also felt worried for Kino. He told him that he was doing something new and, as such, might hurt himself. Kino explained that the pearl-buyers were cheats. He was left with no other choice. Juan Tomas said that he had exposed himself to unusual dangers. He would be all alone in the capital with no friends to protect him. Juan Tomas suggested that Kino should have accepted the offer. Kino, however was determined to go to the capital for selling his pearl.
Kino did not eat his meal, nor did he talk to Juana. He felt the evil was waiting for him outside the house. He felt it was a challenge he must face. Finally he stood up and went towards the door in a dazed condition. Juana was terrified and wanted to stop him, but could not say anything because of terror. Kino stood in the door for some time and then stepped out. Then Juana heard the sound of rushing feet and then of a blow. She was scared to death at first but then she seized a stone and rushed outside. The struggle was already over by then. Kino was lying on the ground half unconscious while the blood flowed from a deep wound across his cheek.
Juana helped Kino stand up on his feet and then supported him into the house. She cleaned the blood from his wound with her shawl. She was grumbling all the time and then suddenly she burst out. She warned Kino that the pearl was evil. It had brought them only bad luck. She insisted that they should get rid of the pearl one way or the other, or else it would destroy them all. Juana begged him to throw away the pearl into the sea where it belonged before its evil was fully upon them and ruined the whole family.
Kino was a man. How could he yield so easily? He could not submit to his enemies also because it would mean giving up his only chance. It was the future of his son, which was being threatened. He was determined to fight back boldly and squarely. He told Juana he was a man and would see to it that no one seized their good fortune from them. He was strong enough to protect them. Juana tried to convince him. She said she was scared for him because he might be killed. But it was all in vain. Kino had made up his mind about it and Juana's requests and warnings both were quite useless. Kino wanted her to be quiet on that topic and she had to submit.. As the night was gathering close, they lay on the mat and went to sleep.
CHAPTER V
1. "And rage surged in Kino. He rolled up to his feet and followed her as silently as she had gone and he could hear her quick foot steps going towards the shore." Relate what happened next till the end of the chapter.
Kino realised some movement and awakened just in time to see Juana removing the pearl from under the fireplace stone. He saw that Juana was leaving for the shore. He was very angry and quietly followed her while she walked towards the beach. On hearing his footsteps, she started running towards the water. She was about to throw the pearl when Kino jumped forward and snatched the pearl from her. He struck her on the face and, when she fell on the ground, he hit her severely in the side. In his rage, he could have killed her but Juana neither resisted nor even muttered a word of complaint about it. At last Kino felt disgusted with it and left for home. Juana was lying on the beach with her face swollen and her body aching with pain.
As Kino walked through the brushes, his senses were not alert. There were clouds on the sky and it was too dark to see anything. He heard the sound of rushing feet. Some people were about to hit him . He took out his knife in time and managed to hit the first of the attackers. Then he received a blow over the head, which made him lose his senses. He fell on the ground. The attackers searched his clothes for the pearl but could not find it. The pearl had knocked down from his hand in the fight and it lay hidden behind a rock.
After some time Juana stood up. She began to walk slowly towards home. Passing through the bushes, she saw the great pearl lying in her path. It shone in the momentary light of the moon. As she knelt to pick it up, she saw two men lying in her path. She was scared and rushed forward to see them. On reaching close she found out that one of them was Kino. Luckily, Kino was alive while the other was dead. The blood still dripped from his throat. It seemed that the man was killed by Kino as his knife was lying there all stained with the blood.
Juana sponged Kino's face and when he regained consciousness told him he had killed a man. At first Kino was not in his senses. He lamented that he had lost his pearl. Juana gave him the pearl to console him. She told him about the gravity of the situation. At last Kino realised that they should leave the city as quickly as possible. He decided to go to the beach and push the boat into the sea while Juana was to bring Coyotito from the house.
On reaching the shore, he discovered that his boat was broken. It hurt him but it also gave him strength to destroy his enemies. As he was returning home, he saw flames in the distance. He knew that it was his brush house that had caught fire. He saw Juana running toward him. She was holding the baby in her arms. Juana told him that some strangers had dug the floor of their house and that, on seeing her approach, they set the house on fire.
Kino did not want anyone to know that he was there. He quietly approached his brother Juan Tomas' house and slipped into it without being noticed by anyone. The neighbours were standing outside their houses shouting to Kino and Juana as they feared they were inside the burning house. Kino told Juan Tomas the whole situation and requested him to hide them for a day. He said they would leave in the evening. Juan Tomas agreed and the family lay hidden in the house during the day. Juan Tomas, however, went out among his neighbours to divert their suspicions. He gave them various ideas as to what might have happened to Kino and Juana. He borrowed several things from them to provide Kino with food for the long journey. That evening Kino took leave of his brother and left La Paz in the darkness of the night.
2.” They have taken the pearl. I have lost it. Now it is over. The pearl is gone." These sentences have been taken from Chapter V. Narrate what happened next to the end of Chapter.
Juana sponged his face till Kino came to his senses. She gave him the pearl and said that he had killed a man. This was certainly something terrible and it frightened him. He made up his mind to leave the town as quickly as possible. He sent her home to bring their baby and all the corn that they had at home while he left for the beach to push the boat into the water.
On reaching the beach, Kino was shocked to find his boat broken. A large hole had been knocked into its bottom making it useless. Kino was deeply enraged but this last thing gave him strength and determination. As he went towards home, he felt much stronger and a new vigour stirred in him. He was on his way back home when he saw flames in the air. He knew that it was their home that was burning fiercely. Kino decided to rush to the house when he saw that Juana running fast towards him. She was holding the baby in her arms. Juana looked pale and terrified. She told him that some strangers had dug out the floor of their house and, on seeing her, they set the house on fire.
Kino was left with no shelter. Their house was burnt and his boat was broken. He faced a great danger because he had killed a man. He did not want anyone to find out that he was still there. His neighbours stood outside their houses shouting to Kino to warn them. He couldn't tell them they were alive. So Kino led Juana to his brother's house through the shadows. They entered the house and hid themselves in there.
Kino's friends were shouting to them in warning as they thought Kino was inside. Apolonia had raised a formal lament but then she decided to bring her new shawl from the house. When she came in, Kino called to her quietly and wished to see Juan Tomas. Kino requested her not to inform anyone else about their presence here. When Juan Tomas came in, Kino told him about the events of that night. He begged him to hide them during the day. He said they would leave in the dark so that no one could see them. Juan Tomas felt deeply worried for their security and agreed to protect them.
Kino and Juana lay hidden in the house during the day. Juan Tomas, however, went out among his neighbours to divert their suspicions. He gave them various ideas as to what might have happened to Kino and Juana. He borrowed several things from them to provide Kino with food for the long journey. That evening Kino took formal leave of his brother and left La Paz for some other place in the darkness of the night.
CHAPTER VI
1. “Kino could feel the blown sand against his ankles.” These lines have been taken from Chapter VI of ‘The Pearl’. Relate in your own words what happened next till Kino is described to slid backward .
Kino was quite happy with the wind because it would wipe out all trace of their advance and no one in the town would know they had gone in that direction. After some time the wind stopped. But by this time they had walked a long distance from the town. Kino hoped that no one would notice their footmarks here. However, Kino wanted to be as cautious as possible. Now he started walking in a rut made by the wheels of a wagon and Juana walked behind in the same rut. Kino hoped that all trace of their passage would be wiped out by the passing wagon in the morning.
They walked at a quick pace all night and did not see anyone on the way. In the early morning Kino started looking for some covert where they could hide and rest during the day. Soon he found such a place near the road. It was hidden behind the trees and so they could not be seen from outside.
While Juana sat there Kino came back to the road. He wiped out the trace of their footsteps leading to the covert where they were hiding. Juana gave him the corn cakes that Apolonia had packed for them. She fed the baby and then she slept for some time while Kino remained awake. When Juana woke up, Kino stretched himself on the ground and soon he fell asleep. After some time he began to stir in sleep and, even when he woke up, he seemed to be very cautious. Then he went towards the road and from behind a tree looked in the direction of La Paz.
Kino was frightened of what he saw in the distance. Two people from the inland were looking for Kino’s footprints while one dark man was following them on horseback. Despite the distance Kino could see his rifle shining in the sun. The trackers reached near the place where Kino was hiding. They observed the place where Kino had wiped out the trace of his advance to their hiding place. Kino was ready to jump at the rifleman but luckily decided to go ahead. After the trackers had left, Kino returned to the shelter. But he was not trying to conceal his passage this time.
2. "The wind blew fierce and strong, and it pelted them with bits of sticks, sand, and little rocks."
Narrate what happened next till the end of the novel.
Kino and Juana walked all night and, in the early dawn, found a place beside the road where to hide during the day. They rested in the shade of brush for some time. When Kino woke up, he felt worried. He went to the path beside the road. There he could see three men coming from the direction of La Paz. Kino knew that two of them were trackers from the inland while the man on the horse had come to find and kill them. The trackers were examining the sandy road. They were apparently looking for Kino and Juana's foot prints to find out their passage.
The trackers reached near where Kino was lying behind a tree. They examined the swept place where Kino had turned towards his hiding place. After some time they decided to go ahead. Kino knew they would soon return when they would find no more tracks. Once they had found this hiding place, the rest would be quite easy. He came back to his family and they left hurriedly for the mountains soon after. On the way, Kino left false signs to mislead the trackers. Since the water bottle was soon empty, Kino set his direction towards a dark place in the hills where he expected to find water as well as passage through the hills..
After climbing a steep slope, they found a pool where they drank water. Kino saw that there were some natural caves up in the hill. They climbed up and hid themselves in one of the caves, hoping that the trackers would not look for them up there. But before it Kino left false tracks of his advance up another slope. The trackers reached late in the afternoon. They were misled by the false tracks and decided to stay there during the night as it was too dark to search for their footprints.
Kino knew the trackers would easily find them in the morning. There was not a chance of escape except to approach them quietly before the moonrise. Slowly he climbed down the rock and reached near them. He hid behind a tree and waited for an opportunity. By this time the moon had arisen so he had to wait till the man on the watch looked away. Unfortunately the baby cried and the watcher became alert. He cocked his rifle and aimed it towards the cave. Kino rushed at him, but before he could reach near, the man had fired. Kino cut his head with his long knife. He seized the rifle with his left hand and in the next moment killed the second person. The third man ran screaming towards the pool. But Kino was now as merciless as steel. He cocked the rifle, took aim and fired.
Kino had killed his enemies but he still stood uncertainly. He realised that something had gone wrong, though he could not under- stand it because of his anger. Slowly his mind cleared up and he heard Juana crying. She was mourning over the dead body of their son.
It was late in the afternoon when the news spread that Kino and Juana were coming back. The people came out of their houses to greet them. Kino and Juana seemed quite aloof. They had apparently suffered beyond the human endurance and no longer looked human beings. The expressions on their faces were as strange and frightening as a rising storm. The people were terrified to look at them. No one dared to speak to them. Kino and Juana were walking together in a single file. Kino was holding a rifle while Juana was carrying the dead body of Coyotito across her shoulder. They went directly toward the beach. Here Kino took out the pearl and flung it into the sea.
3. "Everyone in La Paz remembers the return of the family;” Describe the return journey of Kino and Juana.
Kino and Juana reached the town in the late afternoon. Soon the news of their return had spread in the town. Kino's neighbours and his brother Juan Tomas came out of their houses and stood at the doors to greet them. They were eager to know where Kino and Juana had gone and what had happened to them. They knew about Kino's sufferings and shared the insults imposed on him. The common bond of sympathy was felt much stronger that day. His destiny had become their destiny and in his fate they could read their own. They were eager to find answers to their questions as to what had happened, where they had been and what had happened to their boat.
The neighbours saw Kino and Juana coming at some distance. They were walking together in a single file. Kino was holding a gun while Juana carried the dead body of Coyotito in her shawl. Kino looked terrible and dangerous. Their face expressions conveyed a deep sense of fatigue. They were walking a little jerkily like some wooden dolls and seemed to carry fear with them. No one had the courage to talk to them. They both remained aloof and did not even look towards the burnt place where once their house was.
Kino and Juana walked straight towards the shore. It appeared from their faces that they had suffered beyond human endurance and as a consequence no longer belonged to human race. It seemed as if there was a strange magical protection about them. They no longer belonged to this world and so no one, not even Juan Tomas, could approach them. The town did not exist for them. Neither did they notice the presence of Juan Tomas who raised his hand to greet them. He, too, was frightened and quietly let them pass.
Marching along the path, they reached the shore and climbed down to the beach. Kino and Juana stopped near the water's edge. His hand was shaking a little as he took out the pearl in whose grey surface, he could still see his unfulfilled aspirations. He read his mind in the light reflected by the shining surface of the pearl. He recalled the events of the last few days. The pearl had lost its beauty. The images formed in its surface looked distorted and insane. Its music was also disharmonious. Kino raised his hand and flung the pearl with all his strength into the sea. They stood there watching the place for a long time.
Kino’s Character Kino is the major character and the hero of John Steinbeck's novel "The Pearl". He is a man of great strength and determination. He has a lot of courage and imagination, too. He knows very well that odds are against him; yet he persists in his efforts to improve their lot. He is attacked again and again but he refuses to give way to despair. The pearl buyers try to convince him that his pearl is worth nothing but he can not be put back by deception and lies. He decides to go to the capital to sell his pearl. The fact is that his courage is an inspiration for others.
Kino is a brave man. He is never afraid of facing a challenge bravely and squarely. He knows the risks involved in sticking to his decision to fight back for the future of his son. But he does not cower before them though his friends warn him about it. His wife Juana is scared to death and his brother Juan Tomas is worried but he will not waver even a bit. He thinks that the pearl can provide a chance of better future for his family. Therefore, he is determined to fight back all attempts to steal it even at the risk to his own life.
Kino is a man with understanding and imagination. He is illiterate and can not be quite certain about the things told by these foreigners; yet he can see through them and suspects that they want to cheat him. The doctor succeeds in trapping him only because the risk involved is too great - Coyotito’s life. Yet he thinks that the doctor is responsible for his son's sickness.
Kino loves his family very dearly. It is for a better future for them that he faces so many risks. When he is climbing down from the cave, it is his love for his own family that drives him forward. The enemies have a rifle with them. There are three of them and they can easily kill him but he is not frightened. He moves towards them silently and carefully. Nothing can stop him when the safety of his family is at risk.
He is a symbol of both courage and determination for his race. He depicts the wish and will of man to survive against all odds.
Juana’s Character Juana is a brave woman and plays a major role in this drama of will and determination. She is a woman of great fortitude. She bears all the hardships with patience and courage. She makes every sacrifice for the protection of her small family. She accompanies Kino in the long and hard journey through the sands and bushes and walks bare-footed. Her ankles are badly cut but she hides them from Kino so that he is not worried for her. Then, she bravely bears the grief of her child's death who has been killed by the enemies.
Juana is also a loving mother. She loves her son dearly. When Coyotito is stung by the scorpion, she reacts immediately. She sucks out the poison from his wound. However, she is still worried for their son. She wants to get medical care for him. It is on her bidding that they go to the doctor's house to get medical treatment for the baby. When they can not get medical treatment, she collects seaweed and prepares poultice from it, which she applies to the baby's wound. She prays to their ancient gods that Kino succeed in finding a valuable pearl. In this way she hopes to be able to arrange for Coyotito's treatment.
Juana loves her husband. She is worried for him and fears that he might be killed for the pearl. So she begs him several times to destroy the pearl. However, she also respects his authority. When Kino bids her to be quiet on the subject, she submits like a child.
Juana cares more for Kino's life than for her own safety. She is convinced that the pearl has become a great danger for his life. She also knows that it is not easy for Kino to forget his ambitions. Therefore, she risks disobeying him. She slips quietly at midnight to throw the pearl back into the sea as a last resort to protect their family from its evils. Kino wakes up in time, follows her to the beach and foils her attempt. He beats her severely and leaves her lying on the beach. Still Juana does not complain nor does she resist. She is convinced she did the right thing. She understands that Kino cannot realise it now. He may kill her if he wants, she will not object. But as long as possible, she will try to convince and warn him of the danger. Juana will do what she can to protect their little family, no matter how Kino reacts to it.
In short, Juana is a symbol of reason and is a loving mother as well as a faithful wife.
THE PEARL
Passage-wise Summary Chapter 1
Passage 1 "Kino awakened in the near dark. ......... And the rhythm of the family song was the grinding stone where Juana worked the corn for the morning cakes." Page 1-2
It was almost dark when Kino woke up. The stars were shining and only a dim light had appeared in the sky. The roosters were crowing and the pigs and dogs had started looking for food on the beach. Kino looked towards his son's cradle and then at his wife who lay beside him on the mat. Like always, Juana was already awake and was looking at him. Kino closed his eyes to enjoy the music of waves striking against the beach. Kino's people once made songs for everything they knew. Those songs still remained. In Kino's mind now there was a personal song, which expressed his deep love for his family.
Juana went towards Coyotito's cradle. She spoke lovingly to the baby. Then she lighted the fire. Kino arose and wrapping his blanket about himself went outside. He sat there and watched the dawn. The fire cast rays of light through the door and chinks in the brush house. Juana was grinding the corn. To Kino almost every sound from inside communicated a deep sense of attachment to his own family.
Passage 2 "The dawn came quickly now, a wash, a glow, a lightness and then an explosion of fire as the sun arose out of the gulf ..... Kino sighed with satisfaction - and that was conversation." (Page 3-4)
Kino had to look down from the glare of the sun as it had become too bright to look at. He saw the ants busy on the ground. One small ant was madly trying to escape the trap dug by a big ant. Kino could feel smell of the corn cakes. From different sounds reaching his ears, he could guess what was going on in the house. Juana took the baby out of the cradle, washed and fed him and sang him an ancient song. Kino felt the warmth, safety and wholeness of the family. Sounds from other houses came too but these were other songs. Two roosters were bowing to attack each other. A flight of wild doves flew over his head. The day had become quite warm so he removed the blanket from his nose and went inside. He sat near the fireplace and had his breakfast of beans and corn cakes. Except on feast days, this was his usual meal. Juana had combed her hair. Now she ate her breakfast. They did not talk much. Kino sighed with satisfaction and it meant a lot.
Passage 3 "The sun was warming the brush house, breaking through it crevices in long streaks. ................. The baby has been stung." (Page 4-6 )
The house was lighted with the rays of the sun, which shone on the ropes of the hanging box. Kino and Juana were frightened to see a scorpion moving down the rope. Kino almost froze into his position with fear. But soon he had started moving towards the hanging box. However he was very careful not to alert the scorpion. He was approaching it slowly and quietly when suddenly the baby laughed and reached his hand towards the scorpion. As a result it realised the danger and jerked its sting upright. Now Kino moved even more carefully. However, when he was about to catch it the baby shook the rope. The scorpion fell past his fingers and stung the baby on the shoulder. So far Juana was uttering a blend of prayers and magic words to guard their son. But now she rushed and holding the baby in her arms started sucking and spitting the poison. Kino in his anger had got hold of the scorpion and he was crushing it to death. The neighbours heard the baby's screams and came to their door. Those in front told others what had happened.
Passage 4 "Juana stopped sucking the puncture for a moment. ........................ the hurrying newcomers were being softly informed how the baby had been stung by a scorpion and how the father and mother were taking it to the doctor." (Page 8-10)
Juana had stopped sucking to examine the wound. It had been slightly enlarged while red swelling extended all around the shoulder. They knew that a scorpion's sting was very dangerous. First there would be swelling and fever. Then the baby would feel cramps in the stomach, which could result in Coyotito's death. But Juana could not let this happen to their only son. She was a woman of great endurance. She was often like a strong man. This time too, she surprised everyone. She asked Kino to bring the doctor. It would have been great but the neighbour said the doctor would not come. He had many rich patients to look after and as such never visited the brush houses. Juana could not be put back by this and she decided to take her son to the doctor. She placed the baby in a loop of her shawl and came outside the house. Kino and others followed. Everyone got interested and so they all walked in a procession towards the city. As they marched ahead towards the doctor's house, many more people joined them on the way. The newcomers asked and were informed by other people about the incident.
Passage 5 "And the newcomers, particularly the beggars from the front of the church who were great experts in financial analysis ....... The glaring sun threw bunched shadows of the people blackly on the white wall.” (Page 10-12)
The four beggars from the front of the church could tell in one glance whether a man was rich or poor. These and other people realised that Kino and Juana were too poor to pay the doctor's fee. Particularly the beggars knew a lot about the town. They knew the doctor was extremely cruel and greedy. Many people had died during his clumsy operations. Then they did not expect much alms as the early Mass was over. Therefore, like other people, they too went along to see what would happen. The procession finally reached the doctor's house. Kino, however, was still a little undecided when he knocked at the door. The doctor belonged to the race that had always behaved very rudely towards them. They had not only exploited but also frightened the native people. Kino always felt both angry and afraid when he came across one of them. After some time the gate opened slightly and a servant looked out. Kino told him about the baby. The servant refused to speak in the old language. He rather closed the gate a little and asked Kino to wait while he went to inform the doctor.
Passage 6 "In his chamber the doctor sat up in his high bed...... He looked down in wonder at his split knuckles and at the blood that flowed down his finger."(Page 12-14)
The doctor was taking his breakfast in his chamber. There was a silver tray on his lap and he was drinking chocolate out of a tiny china cup. The doctor had been to Paris for a short while. He remembered those days as the best time of his life and wished to be back there. Since then he had grown rich as well as very fat. Yet his mouth was hanging with discontent. The furniture and the pictures in the room, too, gave a gloomy expression. The doctor noticed the servant standing near the open door and asked him the reason. The servant told him about Kino's baby. At first the doctor got angry saying that he was not a veterinary. Then he ordered the servant to enquire whether Kino could pay the fee for the treatment. The servant came to the door. Kino gave him a few worthless seed pearls. The servant went inside but soon returned with the message that the doctor was not home. Now the people felt so ashamed at Kino's insult that they all left immediately. However, Kino and Juana still stood there, not knowing what to do. Then suddenly Kino hit the gate with his fist just to find that he had wounded only his own knuckles.
Chapter 2
Passage 1 “The town lay on a broad estuary, its old yellow plastered buildings hugging the beach. ... A copper haze hung over the water and the hot morning sun beat on it and made it vibrate blindingly." (Page 15-16)
The town was situated beside a wide estuary. On its beach stood beautiful boats, which were painted with a waterproof plaster. This enabled the boats to last for several generations. There was a heap of shells near the water's edge where lobsters and crabs had made their tiny homes. There were plants, fishes and other sea creatures on the bottom of the sea. While on the beach pigs and dogs looked for food. There was still mist in the air, which made it impossible to see things clearly. Some things were blurred while others were enlarged over and above their normal size. They could not trust their eyes in deciding whether what they saw was there or not. Anyhow it did not look strange to them, as they believed all places were like that.
Passage 2 " Kino and Juana came slowly down to the beach and to Kino's Canoe ... Kino could see them clustered in the haze riding over the oyster bed" (Page 16-18)
Kino's boat was very old. He had inherited it from his grandfather. It was property as well as a source of earning their livelihood. To preserve it from damage, Kino painted it with a waterproof plaster every year. When Kino and Juana came down the beach to his boat, he touched it lovingly. Kino folded his blanket and put it in the boat. Juana laid the baby on it. Then Juana gathered some weed, made a poultice of it and applied it to the baby's swollen shoulder. This was perhaps a much better remedy but Juana could not trust it like the doctor's treatment. Perhaps she had sucked out the poison in time. Yet she was worried for her son and prayed that they might find a pearl with which to hire the doctor. Now they pushed the boat into the water and climbing into it started roving towards the oyster bed. Other fishermen had already gone there. 158 words
Passage 3 Light filtered down through the water to the bed where the frilly pearl oysters lay fastened to the rubbly bottom. ... Whole phrases of it came clearly and softly into the Song of Undersea." (Page 18-20)
The bottom of the sea was full of pearl- oysters. A grain of sand might enter the flesh of an oyster. To protect against it, the oyster started coating it with a smooth layer. Having started, such a process continued till the oyster was dead. This turned the grain of sand into a pearl. In fact the King of Spain had once been a great power due to the wealth earned from this bed. For centuries the fishermen had been diving here to pick up the largest oysters and cut them open to see for pearls. However, the pearls were rarely found. Kino came here with great hope that day. He took off his clothes and slipped into the water. On reaching down he worked very carefully. He tore the largest oysters and put them in his basket. Kino felt much excited. His people had songs for everything in life. So Kino could hear the Song of the Undersea beat in his ears. He was also aware of the Song of the Pearl. This day they needed luck very badly. Their only son's life was in danger and Juana was making the magic of prayer. That was why Kino felt more hopeful of finding a pearl.
Passage 4 Kino, in his pride and youth and strength, could remain down for over two minutes without strain so that he worked deliberately, selecting the largest shells .......... It was a large as a sea gull's egg; it was the greatest pearl in the world." (Page 20-23)
Kino could easily remain down water for over two minutes. He was therefore picking only large shells. He noticed a very old and large oyster beside a rock. It was slightly open and Kino saw a bright light inside it. He tore it from the bottom and holding it against his breast rose up to the surface of the water. There he put the oyster in the boat.
When Kino climbed into the boat, he looked much excited. But first he pulled up his basket from the water. He did not want to open the large oyster as yet. He was afraid that what he saw might be an illusion. Then they feared that eagerness could drive away the good luck. Therefore, Juana, too, behaved as if she had noticed nothing. Kino picked a small oyster from the basket and opened it. Then he pretended as if he had seen the large oyster for the first time. Now Juana could not wait any longer so she asked him to open the large oyster. Kino cut its muscles and there he saw the great pearl shining in all its glory. It was the largest pearl in the world.
Juana moaned with excitement when she saw the great pearl; while Kino felt a sense of pride and exultation. It was like a realisation of his dreams. He held the pearl in his hand and examined its curves. A sudden impulse made Juana remove the poultice from the baby's shoulder to examine the wound. She shouted to Kino with excitement. Kino looked up and was glad to see that the poison was going out of Coyotito’s body. It meant that the baby was quite safe now. Kino felt so excited he could not control his emotions and he started howling to the great surprise of other fishermen.
Chapter 3
Passage 1 "A town is a thing like a colonial animal. A town has a nervous system and a head and shoulders and feet. .................. and it made them giggle a little with pleasure for they knew there is no almsgiver like a poor man who is suddenly lucky." (Page 24-25)
Every town is different from others. Yet in each town news travels much faster. In a strange way, the people of a town know everything immediately. Before Kino and others arrived, everyone had known that Kino had found the Pearl of the World. Kino's neighbours knew it and so did the other people. The priest remembered that the church needed repair. He wondered about the pearl's worth and whether he had baptised Kino's baby or not. The shopkeepers hoped to sell men's clothes on profit. The doctor claimed before a patient that he was treating Kino's son. The news made him hopeful of visiting Paris again. The beggars felt delighted too. They expected to get quite a handsome amount as their share in this sudden stroke of luck for Kino.
Passage 2 " Kino has found the pearl of the world. In the town, in little offices sat the man who bought pearls from the fishers. ........................ The neighbours looked at the pearl in Kino's hand and they wondered how such luck could come to any man." (Page 25-27)
The pearl buyers were particularly excited by the news. In fact, these buyers were the agents of one man who had made them sit in different offices to give an impression of competition. When the pearl fishermen came to their shops, they used various tricks to buy their pearls at the lowest possible price. Now they, too, hoped to start their own business soon. The Pearl had created a very unhealthy situation. Everyone was interested in Kino's pearl because it could help in realising their desires. They thought that Kino stood in the way of their happiness. So he was looked upon as an enemy. They were making plans to steal the pearl. Kino and Juana were, however, very happy. They had no idea how some people were planning to steal their pearl. Their house was crowded with the neighbours who could not help wondering at this stroke of good luck.
Passage 3 And Juan Tomas, who squatted on Kino's right hand because he was his brother asked: "What will you do know that you have become a rich man." ....... Kino was afraid as a man is afraid who says: "I will", without knowing. (Page 27-29)
Then Juan Tomas asked him about his future plans. Kino didn't know what to say. He only looked into the surface of the pearl and there he saw the pictures of all those things that he had wished but had given up as impossible in the past. The pearl gave him the most astonishing ideas. He saw Juana, himself and Coyotito standing and bowing at the high altar in the church. He said they would get married in the church. Then he saw they were all dressed in new clothes and he blurted out that they would buy themselves new dresses.
Kino could see in the lovely surface of the great pearl the pictures of things he wanted to buy. He thought he would buy himself a new harpoon. Then he saw himself holding a rifle. He found it very difficult to articulate the word but somehow he told them he would buy a rifle, too. The neighbours were stunned with surprise to hear this. However Kino was in a different mood together. In fact, man has a great talent since he is always looking for something better. The thought of buying a rifle gave him more confidence. It almost broke all barriers that had prevented him from day-dreaming in the past. Kino was in the mood of making prophecies and he said that his son would get education. In this way, they would know the truth from falsehood. It would make them free, he hoped. Suddenly Kino realised that he had talked too much and he became quiet at once.
Passage 4 "Now the neighbours knew that they had witnessed a great marvel. .............. Children he considered these people and he treated them like children." (Page 29-31)
The neighbours were surprised at Kino's courage and imagination. If he did succeed in his ambitions, then they would remember this event favourably and say he was a man transfigured. However, if he failed, these very people would regard it as a foolish madness on his part. It was getting dark now. Juana went to the fireplace to kindle fire. It was getting dark. However the neighbours felt reluctant to go back to their own houses. Just then the priest entered Kino's house. He was getting old but apparently his lust for life was still quite sharp. He was very clever and ever willing to cheat these people.
Passage 5 "Kino", he said softly, "thou are named after a great man and a great father of the church" ........ He carried the pearl still in his hand tightly closed in his palm, and it was warm and smooth against his skin. (Page 31-32)
The priest told Kino that he was named after a great father of the church. Kino felt suspicious. He was aware of some danger but did not know who could have brought this music of evil. The priest said he had heard about Kino's finding almost a fortune. On this Kino showed him the pearl. The priest gasped a little on the beauty and size of the pearl. He expressed the hope that Kino would give thanks to the God for this valuable pearl. Juana told him about Kino's intention to get married in the church. The priest was pleased to hear this. He prayed for their happiness and then departed. The neighbours also left for their houses. While Juana set the pot on fire, Kino went to the door to look outside. The dog came near and shook itself in greeting but Kino didn't see it. He had broken through into a cold and bleak future. He felt himself lonely and helpless against the danger that surrounded his family.
Passage 6 "Behind him he heard Juana patting the corn-cakes before she put them down on the clay cooking-sheet. ........... and his man enter the brush hut." (Page 32-34)
Juana was busy cooking the corn cakes. Kino standing in the door heard the sounds of patting and the smell of corn cakes on the cooking-plate. These conveyed to him the sense of safety and the warmth of love for his family. Yet he was worried. He had created himself a future by imagining it. It was now very difficult for him to forget it. But he also knew that gods were against making plans and that they took their revenge on a man if he succeeded through his own efforts. He therefore, was preparing to meet the attack. He was trying to think hard for the possible attack. Just then Kino saw the doctor coming towards his house. On reaching the door, he claimed he was not home in the morning and that he had came to Kino's house now on the first opportunity of being able to do so. Kino remembered his insult and refused to let him see the baby. The doctor, however, trapped him quite easily. He told Kino that the poison might attack later. Though the baby seemed at the moment to have quite recovered, the poison might cripple him permanently. Kino was suspicious but he could not take risk. The doctor might be trying to cheat him; yet he could not be sure one way or the other. Then the risk was too great. He did not want to put his son's life in danger. So he let the doctor enter and examine the baby.
Passage 7 "Juana stood up from the fire and backed away as he entered and she covered the baby's face with .............. He took a deep breath and went out of hut and his servant followed him with the lantern." (Page 34-37)
Juana did not let the doctor take the baby till Kino nodded to her. The doctor pretended to look worried while he examined the baby. He rolled the baby's eyelids and examined his eyeball. He felt his head. At last he said that the baby was apparently in great danger. The poison was going to hurt within the hour. He showed Kino how the baby's eyelids had turned blue. The doctor said he would do his best to save the baby. He put some white powder from a bottle into a capsule and closed the capsule with another. Then he placed the capsule on the baby's tongue and made him swallow it with the help of a little pulque. He said the medicine might protect the baby against any possible harm by the poison. Yet to avoid any risk, he promised to come again after an hour. Both the doctor and his servant then left Kino's house.
Passage 8 "Now Juana had the baby under her shawl and she stared at it with anxiety and fear. ....... while Kino ate his beans from his little pottery dish and wiped it clean with a corn-cake and ate the cake and washed the whole down with a drink" (Page 37-38)
The doctor's words had made both Kino and Juana deeply worried while he himself was sitting in his big house, eating his supper of sweet cakes and chocolate. Kino came close to look at the baby. Just then he realised that he was still holding the pearl in his hand. So he went to the box, took out a piece of rag and wrapped the pearl in it. Then he went to the corner of the house and buried the pearl in the dirt floor. The neighbours in their houses were telling each other how beautiful the pearl was. They wondered about Kino's future and wished the riches did not turn Kino's head. What a shame it would be if riches made him a proud or greedy person, as had always happened in such cases. Out in the estuary, big fishes were killing the smaller ones while owls were busy hunting mice in the dark. Kino saw the dog at his door shaking itself in greeting but he looked away. It watched Kino with frantic interest while he took his meal.
Passage 9 "Kino was finished and he was just rolling a cigarette when Juana spoke sharply. ......... The old women squatted down beside Juana to give her aid if they could and comfort if they could not." (Page 38-40)
Kino had eaten his meal when Juana shouted to him with fear. Kino could see that the baby's face had turned red and his throat was working. Some stuff was flowing out of its mouth which indicated that the baby was about to start vomiting. Apparently, the baby was very ill. Kino did not know what to do. He suspected that this sudden illness was caused by the white powder. Coyotito was crying with pain while Juana rocked him from side to side. The neighbours soon came to know about the baby's illness and they remarked on it how luck often brings bitter friends with it. They rushed into Kino's house to express their sympathy. The old women sat near Juana trying to give whatever help they could.
Passage 10 "Then the doctor hurried in, followed by his man. He scattered the old women like chickens. He took the baby ...................... 'It would be a shame to have it stolen before you could sell it,' said the doctor and he saw Kino's eyes flick involuntarily to the floor near the side post of the house." (Pages 40-41)
After an hour, the doctor came again to Kino's house. He examined the baby and claimed that the child was in great danger. He gave the baby some ammonia drops. The vomiting stopped and Coyotito, being tired, went to sleep. The doctor told Juana that he had saved the baby's life but Kino still had his doubts about him. He could not help looking again and again at the white powder bottle in his bag. Juana, however, looked with adoration at the doctor for saving her child's life. The doctor asked Kino when he would pay for the treatment. At this Kino promised to do so after he had sold the pearl. The doctor looked surprised and pretended as that he did not know about it. He offered to keep the pearl in his safe for him. Kino declined the offer. The doctor said that Kino should be careful lest the pearl be stolen. This made Kino look toward the secret place where he had buried it. The doctor followed the direction of his eyes. In this way he discovered where the pearl was buried before he left for his house.
Passage 11 "When the doctor had gone and the neighbours reluctantly returned to their houses Kino squatted beside the little glowing coals in the fire hole and listened ................... And then Kino awakened with the evil music pulsing in him, and he lay in the darkness with his ears alert." (Page 41-42)
Kino sat near the fireplace listening to different sounds of the night. Kino's people often woke up in their sleep and talked a little before falling asleep again. After some time when the night felt quieter, he went to the door and looked out. He made sure there was no one around. Then he came back, and removed the pearl from its former place. He buried it under his sleeping mat. When Juana asked him who he feared, Kino replied that he was afraid of everyone. They both lay together on the mat and soon fell asleep. Kino, however, remained disturbed even in his sleep. It was past midnight when Kino suddenly stirred in his sleep. This woke up Juana, and then Kino, too, opened his eyes in the darkness. He lay with his ears alert because he was aware of the music of the evil.
Passage 12 "Then from the corner of the house came a sound so soft it might have been simply a thought, a little furtive movement, a touch of foot on earth, the almost inaudible purr of controlled breathing ................. 'It is nothing,' Kino said, but his eyes and his voice were hard and cold and a brooding hate was growing in him." (Page 43-44)
Kino was listening hard because he could feel that someone was inside the house. He heard the sound of controlled breathing but it was very low. Kino thought he was imagining things in his fear. But then Juana warned him quietly and he heard the sound of scratching the dirt floor. In his anger, Kino jumped to his feet and attacked the unknown person that was present in the corner of their house. It was too dark to see. However, he was able to hit him on the second attempt. In the struggle Kino received a blow on the head and fell to the ground while the attacker managed to escape. She shouted in terror. Then she went to a corner of the house and found a candle there. She lighted it. She saw that blood was flowing down Kino's forehead. She wiped the blood with her head shawl.
Passage 13 Now the tension that had been growing in Juana boiled up to the surface. "This thing is evil," she cried harshly. "This pearl is like sin!" ................ And because they were in some way one thing and one purpose, she smiled with him. And they began this day with hope." (Page 44-45)
Juana was terribly frightened. She wanted Kino to get rid of the pearl. It was evil and had brought them only bad luck. She was afraid it would destroy them all. She begged to Kino to throw away the pearl or destroy it before its evil was fully upon them. At first Kino tried to convince her that it was their only chance in life. When he failed to dispel her fears, he ordered her to be quiet. He said they would sell it in the morning and its evil would pass on. Only the good would remain then. It was almost dawn now. Kino dug out the pearl and looked at it. The pearl's beauty delighted his brain. It gave him the hope that the pearl would end all his misery. It would protect them from hunger, sickness and insult. Kino felt relaxed with the prospect of prosperity. Juana saw that Kino smiled and, since their lives were bound with the mutual ties of sympathy, she too smiled.
Chapter 4
Passage 1 "It is wonderful the way a little town keeps track of itself and of all its units. ................ Quite apart from any reward they might get, from any word of praise, from any promotion, a pearl buyer was a pearl buyer, and the best and happiest pearl buyer was he who bought for the lowest price." (Page 46-47)
A small town keeps track of its people and all their activities in a peculiar way. Those who lead a normal life in accordance with the customs of the society are almost ignored. But the people start getting nervous as soon as a man or woman behaves strangely. They want to know about his activities. That is why everyone in La Paz knew that Kino was going to sell his pearl that morning. It was widely known among the whole community including the shopkeepers and people in the church. Particularly the pearl buyers were anxiously waiting for the moment. The pearl buyers were actually the agents of one man. However, they gave the impression as if there was a competition among them. In fact it was so in the past but it was supposed harmful to the interest of pearl buyers. Often, in their competition to secure a valuable pearl, they paid the fishermen too great a price. Now there was only one owner and these pearl buyers were really his agents. Each of them was considering his role in the cheating they were going to play on Kino. Yet each one felt excited, as it would be a test of his skill as a pearl buyer. Though they would not benefit anything from the purchase it would be much exciting to buy the pearl for the lowest price.
Passage 2 "The sun was hot yellow that morning and it drew the moisture from the estuary. and from the gulf. ............ For tomorrow, or even this afternoon, he would have new clothes." (Page 47-49)
There was mist in the air that caused illusions all the time. Kino's neighbours had not gone fishing this day. They were boasting in their houses how they would have donated the money to the church or spent it on the welfare of poor people if they had owned the pearl. They claimed they liked Kino but were afraid that sudden riches could completely ruin his character turning him into a selfish, cruel and greedy person. This would be very unfortunate, as it would destroy his whole family. So far Kino and Juana were concerned it was the most important day in their life. Therefore, Juana dressed her son in new clothes that she had kept safe for his baptism. She, too, wore her marriage skirt. Even Kino's dress, though, old was clean at least. Then they believed it was the last day of their poverty. The next day or even this afternoon he might purchase himself new clothes after he had sold the pearl.
Passage 3 "The neighbours, watching Kino's door through the crevices in their brush houses were dressed and ready too. ................ But because of the seriousness of the occasion only one man walked with Kino, and that was his brother Juan Tomas." (Page 49-50)
The neighbours were watching Kino's door through the crevices. They were dressed and ready to accompany Kino. They thought Kino would expect them to do so. Kino was very conscious about the tilt of his hat to show that he was aggressive, serious and strong. He had put the pearl in a leather box, which in turn had been wrapped in a piece of cloth and put in his pocket. When Kino and Juana set off for the town the neighbours along with their children accompanied them. However considering the seriousness of the occasion, only Juan Tomas walked with Kino.
Passage 4 Juan Tomas cautioned his brother. "You must be careful to see they do not cheat you." And "Very careful," Kino agreed. .........…………... Nothing could break down this wall, and they could remain whole within the wall. (Page 50-52)
On the way, Juan Tomas warned Kino to be careful lest the pearl buyers cheated him. He told his brother how once in the past pearls were pooled with a man who took them to the capital. The people expected to earn more money in this way. But that man did not return and the pearls were lost. Another attempt had the same result. So they gave up this idea. Kino said that he had heard about it from his father. He reminded Juan Tomas how the priest preached every year that it was a sinful act. If anyone left his place the earth was in danger of attack by the Hell. The priest told them that the loss of pearls was a punishment visited upon them because they had tried to leave their place. For the last four hundred years, Kino's race had learnt one defence against the foreigners and that was squinting their eyes. So this time, too, they did the same to express their helplessness.
Passage 5 "The gathering procession was solemn, for they sensed the importance of this day. ................ The pearl buyers' offices were clustered together in one narrow street..... and the wooden slats cut out the light so that only a soft gloom entered the offices." (Page 52-53)
The people were walking very seriously. If any child misbehaved, he was disciplined by his parents. As the procession marched ahead more and more people joined it. The little shops lost their customers and the owners, too, joined the procession. Like before, the four beggars also went along. The pearl buyers heard about the approach of the procession in their dark offices situated in a narrow lane. They grew alert and hid their inferior pearls. Everyone tried to look busy when Kino would enter his office.
Passage 6 A stout slow man sat in an office waiting. His face was fatherly and benign and his eyes” .................. "We will value it and will give you the best price." And his fingers worked furiously with the coin." (Page 53-55)
One of the dealers was extremely cunning. He could impress others with his false show of sincerity. He had not only shaved but also polished his finger nails. He was eagerly waiting for Kino's arrival at his shop. To control his anxiety, the dealer was humming to himself and rolling a coin over his knuckles. By the time the crowd arrived at his shop his anxiety had reached to an extreme. Kino entered the shop and stared in the gloom. The shopkeeper greeted him and asked what he could do for him. His eyes examined Kino very minutely while the rest of his face smiled in greeting. Kino told him he had a pearl to sell. The shop- keeper wished to see his pearl saying that he would make him the best offer.
Passage 7 "Now, Kino instinctively knew his dramatic effects.... And his right hand went behind the desk and pulled another coin from his pocket, and the coin rolled back and forth over the knuckles." (Page 55-57)
Kino knew through instinct how to create a dramatic effect. He took out the lather bag rather very slowly but then threw the pearl almost at once in the velvet tray. Immediately he looked into the dealer's eyes to see its impact on him. The dealer was struck with its beauty so much that he forgot to roll the coin properly and it fell down into his lap. He, however, managed to look uninterested. He examined the pearl cursorily and then threw it back into the tray. With a cruel and scornful smile, he told Kino that it was not a pearl but just a curiosity. He claimed that being rather too large it would not sell so easily. There was just a possibility that some museum might wish to keep it in its collection of shells. He offered a thousand pesos for it. Kino became very angry. He said that it was worth fifty thousand but the dealer was trying to cheat him. The people started grumbling. This frightened the dealer and he immediately suggested that Kino was free to consult the other pearl buyers. He offered to call in some of them at his own shop. This might satisfy Kino that his offer was genuine and that no trick was being played upon him.
Passage 8 Kino's neighbours whispered together. They had been afraid of something like this. .............. The hum of talk came to him dimly, his rage blood pounded in his ears, and he burst through and strode away and Juana followed trotting after him. (Page 57-58)
The neighbours were of the opinion that Kino should take one thousand pesos. They thought the pearl was not really valuable as it had a strange colour. Kino felt that he was being cheated. The three dealers came in and on the shopkeeper's request examined the pearl one by one. They tried to convince Kino that it was not really a good pearl. One said he did not want to make any offer, as it was not a pearl but an ugly thing. The other examined the pearl with the help of a magnifying glass. He claimed it would soon lose its colour. The third dealer offered five hundred pesos for the pearl. Kino felt angry and he snatched the pearl out of his hand. He pushed the pearl back into his pocket saying that his pearl was not for sale there. This made the dealers realise they had played too hard. Afraid of being disciplined for their failure, the dealer immediately revised his offer and said he would go to even fifteen hundred pesos. Kino knew they were cheating him and had made up his mind he would not sell his pearl to them. He was pushing his way through the crowd while Juana followed him.
Passage 9 "When the evening came, the neighbours in the brush houses sat eating their corn-cakes and beans .......... .......... "To determine to go and to say it was to be half way there." (Page 59-61)
The neighbours discussed the events of that morning in their houses. Some thought that Kino was a fool. He should have accepted the offer. One thousand and five hundred pesos was a great deal of money. He would repent it if he failed to find a buyer for his pearl in the Capital. Others claimed he had done right and that they all might benefit from Kino's courage. Kino was however deeply worried. He always felt afraid of strange places and strange people. On the one hand, he had created his future by saying what it would be like. In fact, he could never be happy in the kind of life he had lived so far. At the same time, he had declared to do something, which now seemed impossible to him. Juana too was worried looking at her husband.
Passage 10 Juan Tomas came in and squatted down beside Kino and remained silent for a long time. ..................... She held Coyotito... and her voice was brave against the threat of the dark music." (Page 61-63)
Juan Tomas came to Kino's house and sat with him on the mat. He remained silent for a long time until Kino tried to convince him that he had no other choice. Kino claimed that the pearl buyers were cheating him of his only chance to educate his son. Juan Tomas agreed with him saying that they were being cheated throughout their lives. However, they had survived despite it. The situation with Kino was quite different. He had challenged not only the pearl buyers but also the whole system. As such Kino had put himself in a very dangerous situation. He should have sold the pearl here. In fact he would be facing much greater risk if he went to the capital. Kino was firm about his former decision. Kino sat brooding long after Juan Tomas had left. He felt all escapes were cut off and he could not hope to succeed in his ambitions. Juana looked with worry at her husband while she performed her domestic duties.
Passage 11 Kino did not move nor ask for his supper. His eyes were entranced ........................ His eyes were soft and warm on her then; his hand touched her cheek. "Let us sleep a little," he said. (Page 62-65)
Juana realised his worry, but she knew she could help best by being near and silent. Kino could feel the dangers challenging him to come outside. At last he stood up and in his dazed condition went towards the door. Juana was terrified and wanted to stop him. Kino stood in the door for a long time. Then he suddenly stepped outside. Juana heard the running feet and then the sound of a blow. On rushing out, she found Kino lying unconscious on the ground. He had a wound across his cheeks. Juana helped him stand up him and walk into the house, and then she wiped the blood from his wound. Kino was half dazed and was shaking his head from side to side. Juana was crying all that time. Now she could no longer restrain her tension. She suddenly spoke up begging Kino to destroy the pearl. She feared that it would ruin the whole family. Kino did not agree with her. He told her to be quiet saying that he was a man. He knew how to defend himself and his family. Now Juana had no choice and she was obliged to be quiet, as Kino's words were command for her. Kino tried to comfort her by saying that they would leave for the capital early in the morning. He assured her no one could cheat them, as he was a man.
Chapter 5
Passage 1 "The last moon arose before the first rooster crowed. Kino opened his eyes in the darkness for he sensed movement. ...………… She climbed painfully to her feet and she dipped her cupped palms in the little waves and washed her bruised face with the stinging salt water and then she went creeping up the beach after Kino." (Page 66-68)
Kino woke up in time to see Juana digging out the pearl and leaving for the beach. He became angry and followed her quietly. She was about to throw the pearl when he jumped at her and snatched the pearl from her hands. In his anger he hit her badly. Juana knew that he could even kill her but she did not resist. But soon Kino felt so disgusted that he left Juana lying on the beach and started walking up the beach towards the house. On the way, he was attacked in the dark. He hit someone with his knife, received a blow himself and fell to the ground losing consciousness. The pearl knocked down from his hand and lay behind a rock. It could not be seen due to darkness. The attackers searched for it in his clothes but did not find it.
After some time Juana dragged herself up the beach. She felt no anger for Kino in spite of this violence on his part. He had clearly told him that he was a man. It meant that he would brook no resistance and yield to no hard circumstances. But she also knew that he would hurt himself in an uneven struggle. Kino didn't realise the danger. It was not annoying to Juana, however. She knew that only a man could protect her. She would stay with Kino no matter how he reacted to the situation. She hoped she might succeed in persuading Kino at some other time and in this way she might save her family from ruin.
Passage 2 A flight of herring clouds had moved over the sky from the south. The pale moon dipped in and out of the strands of clouds. ............. "Go to our house and bring Coyotito," he said, "and bring all the corn we have. I will drag the canoe ........ and we will go. (Page 68-71)
There were clouds on the sky while Juana walked home through the brushy area. From time to time the moon peeped out of the clouds. While she was on her way, she saw the pearl in the momentary moonlight. She bent low to pick it up. She was considering going back and throwing the pearl when she noticed two people lying in her path. She rushed forward and found Kino lying unconscious beside a dead body. She realised that the stranger was killed by Kino. Now their only chance was in escape. The past was gone for ever. She forgot her pain and sponged Kino's face and, when he came to senses, told him about the new situation. Kino was not fully conscious and he kept muttering they had taken his pearl. Juana gave him the pearl to comfort him. Still Kino was not fully in his senses and he said he killed the man in self defence. Juana made him realise that the men in the city would not believe him. At last Kino realised that they must leave the town quickly. He asked Juana to bring the baby while he was going to the shore to push the boat into the water.
Passage 3 He took his knife and left her. He stumbled towards the beach ......... "I don't know," she said. "The dark ones." (Page 71-72)
When Kino reached the beach, he found that a large hole had been made into his boat. It was an evil beyond thinking. The killing of a man was a lesser evil as compared to breaking a hole into the boat. Kino felt not only angry but also extremely sad. This boat had come to him from his grandfather. Anyhow this last thing gave him the strength and will to fight for and preserve his family. However, he could not think of taking one of his neighbours' boats. It was almost dawn by now. Kino was returning home when he saw a flame at some distance. He knew that it was his house and was about to run when he saw Juana running towards him. She told him that the dark ones had dug out the floor of their house. When they saw her they set the house on fire. Juana could save only the baby.
Passage 4 The neighbours were tumbling from their houses now, and they watched the falling sparks. .......... "Do not even whisper that Kino is here." (Page 73-75)
Kino's neighbours were coming out of their houses. They stamped the falling sparks to protect their own houses from catching fire. Kino was afraid because he had killed a man. He did not want anyone to know he was there. He, therefore, walked in the shadows and reached his brother's house. They slipped in quietly. The neighbours were watching the burning house. They thought Kino and Juana were inside and they shouted warnings to them. When the house had burnt down, Apolonia started crying. They thought that Kino and Juana had burnt down in the house and so Apolonia started the formal lament on their death. She entered the house to wear her best shawl. Kino quietly called to her saying that they were not hurt. He requested her to bring in Juan Tomas without telling anyone else that they were there. When Juan Tomas came in Kino told him the events of that night. Kino requested him to protect them. When he saw that his brother looked deeply worried he told him they wanted shelter for one night only and would leave as soon as it got dark the next evening. Juan Tomas agreed to it and assumed responsibility for their protection.
Passage 5 "They sat silently all day in the darkness of the house and they could hear their neighbours speaking of them ................... "If I give it up I shall lose my soul. Go thou also with God." (Page 75-77)
They remained inside the house for the whole day. Their neighbours were shocked to hear that Kino's boat was damaged. Juan Tomas went among them again and again to divert their suspicions. He tried to give them different ideas as to what had happened to Kino's family. There was a severe storm that day. No boat could have remained safe in such a storm. Juan Tomas told among neighbours that Kino, too, must have drowned in the sea. Every time Juan Tomas visited one of his neighbours he borrowed something or other. In this way, he provided Kino with some articles of daily use. Kino felt himself more secure when Juan Tomas brought him a large working knife that was eighteen inches long. In the evening the brothers talked long. Juan Tomas advised Kino to avoid the shore as the men in the city were sending a party to look for him. He also wanted him to get rid of the pearl. Kino, however, felt that it was his misfortune but it had become his soul, as well. He could not imagine parting with it.
CHAPTER 6
Passage 1 The wind blew fierce and strong and it pelted them with bits of sticks, sand and little rocks. ............. And Kino gripped the handle of the big working knife and took a sense of protection from it. (Page 78-79)
Kino and Juana set out in the darkness of the night. The town was closed in during the night and so anyone moving about could be noticed. They took a path around the town and avoided its centre so that no one noticed their leaving. Soon Kino found the sandy road through the brush land that led to Lorreto. A strong wind was blowing at the time. However Kino was happy with it. He hoped that their footprints in the sand would be blown away by the wind and no one would find their passage. Now he was not confused about his future course. He felt a new vigour stirring in him. Some animal thing from the past experience of his race made him both cautious and dangerous. They kept walking at a swift pace all night. When the wind stopped, they began to walk in a wheel-rut. Kino hoped that their footprints might be removed by a wagon going to the town in the early morning. On the way they heard cries of wolves and other wild beasts. Kino took a sense of protection from the big knife that he held open in his hand.
Passage 2 The music of the pearl was triumphant in Kino's head, and the quiet melody of the family underlay it... "I don't know," he said. "I didn't see them." (Page 79-81)
The music of the pearl gave Kino great confidence. They walked all night and in the early dawn he started looking around for a shelter beside the road. Soon he found such a place. Kino swept all traces to their roadside shelter. In the early morning, he heard a wagon pass by and found that their footmarks had been wiped out by its wheels. They took their simple breakfast. Juana slept a little, while Kino sat awake. With the rise of sun, it grew very hot. Juana woke up after a while and Kino told him about the harms of certain trees. She smiled at him because she already knew these things. Juana was not sure they would be followed. She thought the pearl was not really valuable and that it was all an illusion. But Kino was certain that men in the city would make every effort to find them.
Passage 3 He looked into his pearl to find his vision. "When we sell it at last I will have a rifle.".... When Coyotito gurgled on the ground he said: ‘Keep him quiet.’ ‘What is the matter?’ Juana asked. "I don't know." Page 81-83
Kino took out the pearl from his clothes to find his vision in there and to comfort himself by the happy images in its surface. But the images in the pearl were ugly and reminded him only of the misery that they had suffered in the last day or two. After a while Kino fell asleep while Juana remained awake and alert like a guard. When the baby woke up she gave him water. Kino was moving uneasily in his sleep as if he was fighting someone. Suddenly he sat up and tried to listen. Juana asked him the reason but Kino told her to be quiet. Juana reminded him that he might have been dreaming. But Kino still felt uneasy and worried. Even during the meal, he stopped several times and tried to listen if there was any sound.
Passage 4 "He listened again, an animal light in his eyes. He stood up then, silently ... Now Juana, back in her hidden place, heard the pad of the horse's hoofs and Coyotito gurgled. She took him up quickly and put him under her shawl and fed him and he was silent." (Page 83-85)
Kino was listening hard for any sound while he was taking his meal. Then he stood up and went back towards the road. There he lay behind a large tree to look at the road that led in the direction of La Paz. Kino saw three persons coming along the road, one was a dark man who carried a rifle and was riding on a horse. The two others were trackers from the inland. They were examining the ground for footprints. Kino knew these people were as sensitive as hounds, and could track them very easily. He was lying still behind the large tree. He feared that the trackers would notice the swept place. The trackers seemed very excited as they came along. Kino decided to attack the rider first and seize his rifle in case they found out about his hiding place. Back in the shelter, Juana heard the sound of hoofs. She put the baby to her breast and fed him to keep him quiet.
Passage 5 When the trackers came near, Kino could see only their legs and the legs of the horse from under the fallen branch …………….. he said. "We will go into the mountains. Maybe we can lose them in the mountains." Page 85-87
The trackers reached near and now Kino could see only their legs from under the dead branch. They examined the swept place and also watched the horse's ears. Kino was ready for attack and waited with tension building in him. But the trackers went ahead. Kino knew they would come back sooner or later. He returned to Juana. He did not try to conceal his passage this time. He knew that the trackers could locate them easily and so he lost all hope. He thought of giving up the struggle and surrendering himself over to the trackers. Juana reacted at once. She reminded Kino that they would not take them back alive. They would kill even the baby in order to steal the pearl. This made Kino so furious that he regained his manhood. He decided to go toward the mountains to escape from the danger.
Passage 6 "Frantically he gathered the gourds and the little bags that were their property ........... overwhelming now, but secret and poisonous, and the pounding of his heart gave it undertone and rhythm. (Page 87-88)
Kino carried his things in one hand, while he held the large knife in the other. They walked quickly towards the mountains in a state of panic and Kino did not try to conceal his passage. It was terribly hot and Kino was running for the high place. On the way, the land was dry. There was little vegetation, so that the mountains ahead looked cool and comforting. Kino could imagine how the trackers were pursuing their track like excited dogs. They would soon find out that they had lost the track. Then, they would return to the swept place and once they had discovered their hiding place the rest would be quite easy. The fallen leaves and knocked away stones would tell them of their passage to the hills. Kino also remembered the man with the rifle who had come to kill them. It made him aware of the great danger.
Passage 7 The way began to rise, and as it did the rocks grew larger. But now Kino had put a little distance between his family and the trackers. Now, on the first rise, he rested. ..................... And the path rose steeply now, so that he panted a little as he went." (Page 89-90)
Now the path had begun to rise. But soon Kino had left the trackers far behind. So they rested after climbing the first rise. Juana gave the baby water from the bottle. When she saw Kino examining her bruised ankles, she covered them under the long skirt. She handed the bottle to Kino but Kino shook his head. He suggested that Juana should stay behind and hide there while Kino would lead the trackers into the mountains. Then she should go to Lorreto or Santa Rosalia. If Kino managed to escape, he would join her there. Juana refused to act on his advice. She was determined to stay with him. However, Kino's words had taken strength from her and now they were not walking very fast. In order to mislead the trackers, Kino left many false signs on the way, leading to wrong directions. Where possible, he walked on bare rocks to leave no track of their passage.
Passage 8 "The sun moved downwards toward the bare stone teeth of the mountains and Kino set his direction for a dark and shadowy cleft in the range. ................ Far down the slope he could see the two trackers; they were little more than dots and behind them a larger ant." (Page 90-93)
Kino was going towards a dark cave in the mountain range. He thought that they might find some water there. Moreover if there was any passage then it could also be through the same cleft. Although the trackers, too, could think of it, Kino had to take this risk as the water bottle was empty and they felt very thirsty. Up in the high mountains, a little spring flowed out of a hole in the rocks. During the summer season, water flowed into it from the melting snow preserved in the shade. The lean spring flowed down many steps and so reached the last step. From there, it dropped to the dry land and dried completely. The pool at the last step remained full though only a pencil of water fell into it. Here colonies of wild plants had grown. Besides, the birds and animals also came here to drink water. These pools, which were like steps, had become the places of life as well as hunting spots of the wild animals.
The sun had crossed over the mountains when Kino and Juana climbed up to this place. They felt very tired so they went straight to the pool of water. Juana washed the baby's face and gave him water. They drank long and thirstily at the pool. Juana put the baby to her breast and fed him. Kino lay beside the water to relax himself. After a while, he stood up and went near the edge to look down over the land. At a short distance, he noticed that the trackers were coming along the brushy road. They were yet far away and looked little larger than small ants.
Passage 9 Juana had turned to look and she saw his back stiffen. "How far," she asked quietly. ....... Kino heard the baby whimper, and he knew from the muffled sounds that Juana had covered his head with her shawl. (Page 93-95)
Kino guessed the trackers would reach there by the evening. He noticed some small natural caves about thirty feet up the rock shoulder. He climbed up and crawled into the largest of them. He knew that they could lie inside without being seen from below. He helped Juana go up there. Then he climbed up to the other side of the cleft and left false traces of his passage there. He returned and climbed up into the cave and lay beside Juana. However, he took care that no signs were left behind which might reveal their passage up to the cave in the hill.
Kino had planned to slip down again after the trackers had gone ahead. But the trackers took a long time in reaching there. They were deceived by the false tracks and thought that Kino had gone up the cliff. It was almost dark, so the trackers decided to stay there during the night. Kino could see them dimly. He heard a muffled sound. He turned and saw that it was Coyotito. The baby was weeping while Juana had covered his face with her shawl to keep the voice low.
Passage 10 Down on the beach a match flared, and in its momentary light Kino saw that two of the men were sleeping ................ And looking down she could see the cigarette of the man on the watch. (Page 95-97)
The rifleman struck a match and Kino saw in its light how they were seated. One of them was on watch while the two other were sleeping. Kino knew he should act at once because the enemies would find them easily in the day- light. He decided to reach down quietly and attack the trackers. Juana feared he might be noticed, but Kino felt confident that once he reached down and got hold of the rifle, every thing would be all right. He touched Juana's cheeks to bid good-bye. Then he took off his white clothes. The big knife hung from his amulet neck-string and so both his hands were free. Juana saw his dark body against the cave entrance and then he had started climbing downward. She came close to look at him while the baby slept in her shawl with head resting against her shoulder. Now it was not so dark and she could easily see the white cigarette of the man on the watch.
Passage 11 "Kino edged like a slow lizard down the smooth rock shoulder. He had turned his neck string so that the great knife hung down from his back and could not clash against the stone. ..... the silver edge of the moon slipped above the eastern horizon, and Kino sank back behind his bush." (Page 97-98)
Kino was very careful not to attract any notice. It was a painful progress. His legs and feet moved down very slowly because his body against the dark rock could be noticed easily. If the watcher below felt any movement or heard any unusual sound, he could see him. Kino felt deep love for his family. The song of family was giving him the strength and it was driving him on toward the enemy. Juana saw that Kino reached down and hid behind a tree. He was breathing heavily after his long and tiresome struggle down the rocks. Kino was now twenty feet away from the enemy. He tried to recall in his mind the picture of the ground lest he was tripped in his rush on the enemy. The ragged moon would rise any moment so Kino had to hurry in his attack. His target was to kill the watcher first and seize his rifle. But just as he rose from his crouch position, the silver edge of the moon appeared in the east. Kino had to sink behind the bush.
Passage 12 "It was and old and ragged moon, but it threw hard light and hard shadow into the mountain cleft. …………. And then Kino's brain cleared and he knew the sound - the keening, moaning, rising hysterical cry from the little cave in the side of stone mountain, the cry of death." (Page 99-101)
It was a waning moon yet it threw hard light and shadows. Kino had to wait till the watcher turned his head. Just then the baby cried. The rifleman got up and looked towards the cave. One of the sleepers woke up. He though that it was a coyote pup. The watcher cocked the rifle and aimed it at the dark cave. Kino was about to rush at the enemy when he heard the shot. Kino struck the watcher with his large knife and snatched the rifle away from his hand. He was acting and moving like a machine. In the next move he killed the seated man. The third man woke up and ran up the cliff. But Kino rushed towards him and shot at him. The men fell into the pool yelling with fear and begging for mercy. But Kino was as cold as steel. He took aim between his eyes and fired. Now Kino had killed all his three enemies. Yet he felt something was wrong. All the time some signal was trying to reach his mind. He was aware of some sound but could not understand it due to his angry state of mind. Slowly, he calmed down and then he knew that it was Juana crying over her son's dead body.
Passage 13 "Everyone in La Paz remembers the return of the family. There may be some old ones who saw it, but those whose fathers .................... ...... And they did not look towards Kino's broken boat." (Page 101-103)
Everyone in La Paz remembers Kino and Juana's return as clearly as if they had personally seen it. It was late in the afternoon when the news about their arrival spread in the whole town. The people rushed out of their houses to see and greet them. Kino and Juana were walking side by side. Kino was holding a rifle while Juana carried the dead body of Coyotito in her shawl. They looked extremely tired. Yet, they did not show any weakness. It seemed they no longer belonged to the human world. They had been through so great a suffering that they had crossed to the other side of humanity. The people were frightened to look at them. Even Juan Tomas dared not greet his brother; so removed did they both look from human experience. They passed the town without noticing it and marched ahead. They did not look towards the burnt place which was once their house, did not even talk to anyone but marched together quietly towards the beach.
Passage 14 "And when they came to the water's edge they stopped and stared out over the gulf. .And then Kino laid his rifle down ............ And the music of the pearl drifted to a whisper and disappeared." (Page 103-104)
On reaching the beach, Kino took out the pearl and looked into its surface for some time. Ugly faces stared out of its grey surface reminding him of the horrible incidents of the past few days. The pearl had brought them nothing but misery and sorrows. He threw the pearl into the sea with all his strength. Both Kino and Juana stood there for a long time, watching the place where the pearl fell into the water. When the pearl settled down, it looked again as beautiful as before. Its music, too, was lovely and sweet before it disappeared under the cloud of sand raised by a lobster.
Examination Questions CHAPTER I
1. 'Kino awakened in the near dark. The stars still shone and the day had drawn only a pale wash of light." ....... Describe the daily routines of Kino and Juana's life and what they did before they saw the scorpion.
When Kino woke up, it was dark. The dawn was still hovering in the east where only a dim light had appeared to proclaim the coming of dawn. The animals and birds had already begun their day while the waves were striking against the beach with an increasing tempo. It sounded like a pleasant melody and though Kino was wide awake, he closed his eyes to enjoy this music for a while. After some time he stood up, as it was dawn now. He went out and sat beside the brush house, gazing at the clouds over the sea.
As usual, Juana had already woken up. She lay on the mat beside Kino looking at him till Kino woke up. She stood up and became busy with her duties. She lighted a fire, and then worked the corn on the grinding stone. She was cooking the cakes for the breakfast. She took the baby out of its hanging box and nursed him tenderly. After cleaning him, she put him to her breast for feeding. She sang him an old song that was short but had a variety of intervals.
Kino felt that all these things were a dear part of his life. Everything about the house and family conveyed a unique experience. They all stood in a special relation for him and created in him emotions of deep association. He loved even his pigs. There were other women besides Juana and other pigs besides his own, but Kino felt no attachment to them.
When the sun became warm, Kino entered the brush house and sat on the floor. He broke a corn cake and ate it with sauce. He drank a little pulque after it. When he had eaten his breakfast, Juana took hers. During this time they did not talk much. It was just a habit with them and they did not need conversation to understand each other. Little gestures and expressions were quite as meaningful. So when Kino sighed with satisfaction, it meant a lot to Juana.
2. "It was a tiny movement that drew their eyes to the hanging box. Down the rope that hung the baby's box from the roof support a scorpion moved slowly." ..... Describe what happened next.
Kino and Juana's eyes caught a movement and they looked towards the cradle. They were terrified to see a scorpion coming down one of the ropes, which supported the cradle. So great was the scare that they were frozen in their positions and could not move for some time. They were concerned for the baby. Then Kino realised the danger and tried to reach near the scorpion. He did not want to alert it, so he was moving rather slowly. Suddenly the baby shook the rope. The scorpion fell on Coyotito's shoulder and stung there. Kino got hold of the scorpion and rubbed it into a paste between his fingers.
Juana was praying as well as uttering a few magic words to guard off the danger. But now she rushed forward and took up the baby in her arms. She found the wound on the baby's shoulder and started sucking and spitting out the poison. Kino, in his anger, was crushing the scorpion under his foot. The baby cried with pain. The neighbours heard the screams of the baby and rushed to Kino's house to find out what had happened.
Kino was standing helplessly. He did not know what to do to save his son's life. Juana had stopped sucking to ask Kino to take their son to the doctor. They set off for the doctor's house. The neighbours accompanied them. On the way to the town, other people joined them. Everyone was eager to know how the greedy and lazy doctor would behave.
They reached the doctor's house followed by a large crowd. Kino was reluctant to knock at the door. The doctor, who was a foreigner, belonged to the privileged class. His people had always hated Kino's race. The foreigners had exploited them for the last four hundred years. Kino felt afraid as well as angry when he came across one of them.
It was after a great effort that he found the courage to knock at the gate. He stood waiting for some time. At last a servant came to the door. Kino told him about his son but the servant decided to inform the doctor himself. The doctor was having his breakfast. He became furious to know that an Indian wanted his services. He sent the servant to find out whether he could pay for the treatment. The servant came to the gate and asked Kino if he could pay the doctor's fee. Kino handed him some seed pearls, which seemed worthless on the face. The servant went in again but was soon back. He returned the pearls and said the doctor had gone to attend a serious case.
Kino felt himself slighted and insulted. The neighbours and the other people who had crowded around him left hurriedly so that he didn’t feel ashamed due to their presence. Kino and Juana, however, stood at the gate for a long time. They were deeply worried and did not know what to do for their baby.
CHAPTER II
1. "Kino and Juana slid the canoe down the beach to the water; when the bow floated, Juana climbed while Kino pushed the stern in and waded beside it until it floated lightly and trembled on the little breaking waves." ......... This sentence has been taken from Chapter II. Describe how Kino found the great pearl.
Kino and Juana climbed into their boat and rode towards the oyster bed. They prayed for and hoped to find a pearl with which to arrange for their son's treatment. After some time they reached there. They could see other boats at some distance. This was the place where Kino and his people had dived for pearls for the last so many centuries.
In some mysterious way, a grain of sand entering the flesh of an oyster was changed into a pearl. The body started coating the grain with fine cement so that it did not hurt the flesh. The fishermen collected these oysters from the bottom of the sea and opened their shells to look for pearls in there. It was extremely rare to find a pearl, however. Yet, Kino was very hopeful about his chance that day. In fact, he needed luck very badly for the sake of his son's life. He also knew that Juana was praying for it with all her heart. He hoped that gods would favour them at this serious juncture of their lives.
Kino took off his clothes and dived into the water. Being strong and healthy he could stay down for over two minutes without feeling any strain. Therefore, he was working very slowly and carefully. He was picking up only large oysters and put them in his basket. He moved ahead and turned beside a mound. Suddenly he saw a large oyster lying there under the cover of the rock. Its shell was partly open. His heart began to beat as he saw something shining inside the oyster. Kino picked it up from there and, holding it against his chest, came up to the surface of the water.
Kino was very excited when he climbed into the boat. Juana saw his excitement but she managed to hide her feelings. She knew it was not good to desire a thing too much as it sometimes caused bad luck. But, when he opened a small oyster, Juana could not wait and asked him to open the large one. Kino had been reluctant to open it before because he feared that it might be empty. But now he cut the large oyster with a knife and parted the folds of its flesh. And there he saw a large pearl. It was very beautiful and large such that they had never seen a pearl like that before.
Juana came close to look at the pearl in Kino's hand. She realised that her prayers were granted. Now they could arrange the necessary medical treatment for their son. She went to the place where Coyotito lay and removed the poultice from his shoulder. She saw that the swelling had ended. It meant that the baby was getting well and was out of danger. She was so excited that she shouted to Kino. This was a really great moment in their lives. Their son was now well and they had come across such a great fortune. Kino felt so excited that he could not control his emotions. He put back his head and howled loudly. All the other boatmen were surprised and they rushed towards Kino's boat.
CHAPTER III
1. "Kino's fist closed over the pearl, and his emotions broke over him. ……………… they paddled their boats towards Kino's canoe." Describe how the news was received in the town.
The news about Kino's finding the pearl spread very quickly. Within no time, the town was ringing with the news. Almost everyone in the town knew about it. His neighbours wondered how such fortune could come to a man. They knew Kino would become rich after he had sold the pearl but they liked him and wished the riches did not spoil him. Kino and Juana were happy and excited. They thought everyone in the town shared their joy. However, the pearl had aroused hopes and expectations and many a people wanted to steal Kino's pearl or cheat him somehow.
The priest heard the news while walking in his garden. He felt it was an opportunity to get a big share for himself. He knew that Kino would now come to the church. It was his duty to take care of his religious needs. And so he wondered whether he had christened his son or even married them. He favoured Kino with a visit in the evening to give him a bit of advice but since his visit was insincere, Kino was aware of the music of the evil.
The doctor, too, heard the news, and it made him remember Paris where he had lived in the past. He wanted to steal the pearl and enjoy living there again. When Kino brought his son to him for treatment, he refused to attend to them. Now he claimed that Kino's son was his patient. He also visited Kino's house in the evening although he had never been to the brush houses ever before. The doctor was a cunning person and he trapped Kino quite easily. He also managed to find out the place where Kino had hidden the pearl.
There were many pearl buyers in the town but they all were the agents of one man who owned the entire business. When they knew about Kino's pearl, they began to aspire that their owner died so that they could start their own business. They were making plans and schemes how to deceive Kino and buy his pearl for the lowest possible price.
The shopkeepers heard about it with the hope that men's clothes and other articles in their shops would sell for good price. Even the beggars in front of the church were delighted with the news. They felt sure that Kino would be very generous when he got rich. So they expected a large sum as alms.
The pearl had created an unhealthy atmosphere. Everyone believed that he could realise all his dreams if only he could steal Kino’s pearl somehow. In fact, almost everyone in the town considered Kino as his enemy. Kino did not know about the changes brought by the pearl and was unaware of the dangers that now surrounded him. He thought of his bright future and had no idea the whole town had become his enemy.
2. "What will you do now that you have become a rich man." Kino looked into his pearl.".... Describe the things that Kino had wished all his life in vain and which seemed now possible to attain.
At first, Kino did not know what to say to Juan Tomas' question. He never talked much so he just looked into surface of the pearl and immediately found the courage to speak. The pearl was shining brightly. In its mirror like surface, Kino could see the things that he had wished in vain. It was like a magic ball in which he could see his dreams. He saw there the images of those things that he had once desired but had failed to get them. The pearl was there now with all its promises of security and happiness. It gave him the confidence that now he could have all his wishes.
Kino had always wanted to get married in the church like other rich people. Until now, he could not pay for the marriage service, and so this desire had remained unfulfilled. The situation was, however, changed now, and Kino saw in the surface of the pearl that he and Juana were bowing at the high altar. Since now they could pay for it, they were getting married in the church. This started a train of most wonderful and delightful images.
He saw that they all were dressed in new clothes. Juana was wearing a brand new shawl and she had sandals on her feet while Kino had shoes. He was dressed in new clothes and wore a fine felt hat. Coyotito was, however, wearing the finest clothes. He was dressed in a blue suit and a boating cap.
Kino had lost his harpoon last year. He saw that he was carrying a new harpoon. Suddenly he thought of buying a rifle. This was something he had never even imagined before. The pearl had inspired him with a new vitality. All barriers were now giving way. Impossible things were becoming possible. He was so rich now that he could easily buy a gun and he saw himself holding a short rifle.
This idea struck all his neighbours with surprise. They sat tongue-tied and could find no words to show surprise at Kino's courage and imagination. Juana was astonished, too. She had no idea that Kino had such wisdom and courage. But the greatest ambition, the prime desire of his life was yet to be uttered.
Then Kino saw in the luminous surface of the pearl that Coyotito was reading at school. He was learning how to read things that were in the books. For Kino's race, books were sacred documents. They believed whatever they were told was in the books. Kino had his suspicions about these things but since he could not read he could never be sure whether the things preached by the foreigners were really there in the books or not. Now the pearl had provided him with a unique chance to find the truth for himself.
This was the greatest thing that the pearl would do for them. If his son learnt reading, he would know the truth about all the things that were said to be in the books. They would know the facts through Coyotito, one of his own people, and would not have to depend on others for knowledge. Certainly it would be a great thing that the pearl would do for them.
In a short time, he saw all these images in the pearl. The excitement was so great it transformed Kino almost completely. By nature, Kino preferred silence and never talked much. But the pearl had given him hopes and ideas to talk about and he boldly planned about the future. Then all of a sudden, Kino realised that he had been talking too much, and he immediately became silent. He closed his fist on the pearl and there were no more images in its surface. He had never talked so many words all his life.
Actually the pearl had created a spell over him. It had made him excited, and for a short while he was released from his own world of limitations and conventions. The images were in his own mind, which was opened to him by the magic of the pearl. Once he thought of the barriers, he felt afraid of looking into the future, which was in the hands of gods. Hence there were no more images in the pearl.
The neighbours in their homes discussed Kino’s ambitions. They were sure they had seen a miracle and that it was a great day which they would discuss for many years to come. If Kino succeeded in his plans they would remember this day with excitement. They would tell each other how they had personally seen this miracle and knew right then that Kino was going to become a great man. They would claim that Kino looked a man transfigured and that he was given some strange power. However, if Kino failed in achieving these desires, they would remember the day in an altogether different spirit. They would then say that Kino was acting very foolishly. He spoke mad words and they knew right then that Kino was going to be punished for his irreligious boasting.
3. ”Standing in the door he saw two men approach... And Kino saw that one was the doctor and the other his servant". ……… Narrate what happened next till the point where the doctor left Kino's house after his second visit.
Kino remembered his insult this morning. Now that his son was well he did not need the doctor. He stood in the door blocking the way and did not let him in. The doctor said that he was not home when Kino brought his son for treatment. However, he came himself as soon as he found the time. Kino told him that his son was all right now. The doctor was a very clever and cunning person. He shifted his bag in front so that Kino could see his tools. He talked very politely and told Kino that the baby was still in danger. He said that the scorpion's sting had often a curious effect. Sometimes it would seem as if the patient had recovered but the poison attacked later. In such a case, the baby might die or at least would become crippled.
Kino was trapped as usual. He could not take the risk with his son's life or health. The doctor knew better than he did and he might be telling the truth. He, therefore, allowed him to enter the house and examine the baby. The doctor pretended that the baby was still in danger. He gave him some medicine saying that it might save the baby from any harm. Anyhow he promised to visit Kino's house again after an hour so as to avoid any risk.
Coyotito became sick soon after. He started vomiting. It was a definite sign of danger and an indication that enough poison had gone inside. After an hour, the doctor came again. He examined the baby and said that the poison had attacked. He gave the baby some medicine, which stopped vomiting. The doctor now claimed that he had saved Coyotito's life.
Just before leaving, he asked Kino when he would pay him for the treatment. Kino said he would pay him his fee as soon as he had sold his pearl. The doctor put up an act and said he did not know about it. He offered to keep the pearl in a safe place for him. Kino rejected the offer saying that it was quite safe with him. The doctor had come just to find out where the pearl was hidden. He played a trick on Kino. He said it would be a shame if it were stolen. Kino looked fearfully towards the corner where the pearl was buried.
4. "Juana sitting by the fire hole, watched him with questioning eyes and when he had buried the pearl, she asked, ‘Who do you fear.’ 'Everyone'." Narrate the events of that night till the end of Chapter III.
It was quite dark in the brush house when Kino woke up from his sleep. He thought he had heard a sound. He stared in the darkness, but could not see anything. He was about to think that he had imagined the sound but Juana’s hand touched his arm to caution him. This time he heard a low sound of breathing and knew for certain there was someone in the house. The sound had come from the corner of the brush house. Someone was scratching the dust floor.
Kino was frightened but then he became angry and the anger gave him strength. He took out his knife and rushed at the dark figure in the corner of the house. He missed his target in the first attack and attacked again. This time he hit him but just then received a blow over the head and fell down on the floor. He heard the sound of rushing and then it was complete silence.
Juana was terrified and called to him in panic while Kino was finding his way back to the mat. Kino said he was all right but Juana lit a candle and looked at Kino in its light. She saw that blood was coming down his forehead. She soaked one end of her shawl into water and washed Kino's forehead with it. She was feeling uneasy and muttered something in whispers. She could not suppress her feelings for long and at last she burst out. She told Kino that the pearl was evil. It had brought them only bad luck. She feared that the pearl would destroy them and requested him to throw the pearl back into the sea.
He was determined to face the challenge. This was their only chance. He had to do something to make his son free. If he got education, he would have a better chance. He spoke softly to satisfy her. He said that they would sell the pearl in the morning and so would get rid of its evil. Kino dug out his pearl and looked into its surface. The beauty of the pearl beguiled his mind and he smiled. Juana was watching her husband and so she, too, smiled. The dawn was in sight now and they began this day with a new hope.
CHAPTER IV
1 "The news of the approach of the procession ran ahead of it, and in their little dark offices the pearl buyers stiffened.”... Describe what happened next till the point where Kino says his pearl is not for sale here
The news about Kino's approach reached much earlier. The pearl buyers were eagerly waiting for his arrival. They were the agents of one man who owned the entire business. The owner had made them sit in different offices to give the impression of competition. Each buyer was therefore remembering his part in the game. These dealers were assigned different roles, and each one knew what price he would offer and what techniques to use for cutting down the price.
Kino entered a shop whose owner seemed to be a very kind person. Kino told him he had a pearl to sell. The dealer told Kino he would make him the best offer and wished to see the pearl. Kino knew by instinct how to create his dramatic effects. He slowly took out the pearl and then threw all at once it in the tray. The dealer was certainly struck by its beauty but managed to hide his feelings. Instead he pulled a long face and told Kino that it was not a pearl. He said there was no market for such things; however, he was willing to pay a thousand pesos for it. He expected to sell it to some museum. On hearing his price the crowd began to grumble and Kino accused the shopkeeper that he was trying to cheat him. The dealer suggested that Kino should show his pearl to the other dealers if he thought the offer was not fair. He called three other buyers to his shop who all pretended that Kino's pearl was not valuable. They claimed that it was not even a pearl. Kino knew they were trying to cheat him. So, he snatched the pearl and put it back in his pocket. He said he would go to the capital to sell his pearl. The dealers realised they had played too hard and would be disciplined for their failure. Therefore, the first dealer revised his offer to fifteen hundred pesos. Kino refused to deal with them, saying that they all were cheats.
2 "When the evening came the neighbors in the brush houses discussed the great theme of the morning…. but they had never seen such a pearl before" ..... Describe the events that happened after it till the end of Chapter
Kino had refused to sell his pearl to the dealers in La Paz. This was rather strange and the neighbours discussed in their homes whether Kino had behaved wisely or not. A few thought that Kino was a fool. The dealers knew better about the value of pearls and Kino should have sold his pearl for fifteen hundred pesos. It was a great deal of money for a man like Kino. They were afraid that Kino would regret his decision later when he found no buyer for his pearl in the capital. Others thought that Kino had done right and they all would benefit from his courage.
Kino, in fact, felt deeply worried. He had said he would go to the capital for selling his pearl but now he felt afraid. The pearl buyers had apparently tried to cheat him but he had been afraid of strange places and strangers all his life. He had never gone out of La Paz and now he would have to go to the capital, which was a thousand miles away. He did not know what to do. He was sitting near the fireplace when his brother came to see him. Juan Tomas also felt worried for Kino. He told him that he was doing something new and, as such, might hurt himself. Kino explained that the pearl-buyers were cheats. He was left with no other choice. Juan Tomas said that he had exposed himself to unusual dangers. He would be all alone in the capital with no friends to protect him. Juan Tomas suggested that Kino should have accepted the offer. Kino, however was determined to go to the capital for selling his pearl.
Kino did not eat his meal, nor did he talk to Juana. He felt the evil was waiting for him outside the house. He felt it was a challenge he must face. Finally he stood up and went towards the door in a dazed condition. Juana was terrified and wanted to stop him, but could not say anything because of terror. Kino stood in the door for some time and then stepped out. Then Juana heard the sound of rushing feet and then of a blow. She was scared to death at first but then she seized a stone and rushed outside. The struggle was already over by then. Kino was lying on the ground half unconscious while the blood flowed from a deep wound across his cheek.
Juana helped Kino stand up on his feet and then supported him into the house. She cleaned the blood from his wound with her shawl. She was grumbling all the time and then suddenly she burst out. She warned Kino that the pearl was evil. It had brought them only bad luck. She insisted that they should get rid of the pearl one way or the other, or else it would destroy them all. Juana begged him to throw away the pearl into the sea where it belonged before its evil was fully upon them and ruined the whole family.
Kino was a man. How could he yield so easily? He could not submit to his enemies also because it would mean giving up his only chance. It was the future of his son, which was being threatened. He was determined to fight back boldly and squarely. He told Juana he was a man and would see to it that no one seized their good fortune from them. He was strong enough to protect them. Juana tried to convince him. She said she was scared for him because he might be killed. But it was all in vain. Kino had made up his mind about it and Juana's requests and warnings both were quite useless. Kino wanted her to be quiet on that topic and she had to submit.. As the night was gathering close, they lay on the mat and went to sleep.
CHAPTER V
1. "And rage surged in Kino. He rolled up to his feet and followed her as silently as she had gone and he could hear her quick foot steps going towards the shore." Relate what happened next till the end of the chapter.
Kino realised some movement and awakened just in time to see Juana removing the pearl from under the fireplace stone. He saw that Juana was leaving for the shore. He was very angry and quietly followed her while she walked towards the beach. On hearing his footsteps, she started running towards the water. She was about to throw the pearl when Kino jumped forward and snatched the pearl from her. He struck her on the face and, when she fell on the ground, he hit her severely in the side. In his rage, he could have killed her but Juana neither resisted nor even muttered a word of complaint about it. At last Kino felt disgusted with it and left for home. Juana was lying on the beach with her face swollen and her body aching with pain.
As Kino walked through the brushes, his senses were not alert. There were clouds on the sky and it was too dark to see anything. He heard the sound of rushing feet. Some people were about to hit him . He took out his knife in time and managed to hit the first of the attackers. Then he received a blow over the head, which made him lose his senses. He fell on the ground. The attackers searched his clothes for the pearl but could not find it. The pearl had knocked down from his hand in the fight and it lay hidden behind a rock.
After some time Juana stood up. She began to walk slowly towards home. Passing through the bushes, she saw the great pearl lying in her path. It shone in the momentary light of the moon. As she knelt to pick it up, she saw two men lying in her path. She was scared and rushed forward to see them. On reaching close she found out that one of them was Kino. Luckily, Kino was alive while the other was dead. The blood still dripped from his throat. It seemed that the man was killed by Kino as his knife was lying there all stained with the blood.
Juana sponged Kino's face and when he regained consciousness told him he had killed a man. At first Kino was not in his senses. He lamented that he had lost his pearl. Juana gave him the pearl to console him. She told him about the gravity of the situation. At last Kino realised that they should leave the city as quickly as possible. He decided to go to the beach and push the boat into the sea while Juana was to bring Coyotito from the house.
On reaching the shore, he discovered that his boat was broken. It hurt him but it also gave him strength to destroy his enemies. As he was returning home, he saw flames in the distance. He knew that it was his brush house that had caught fire. He saw Juana running toward him. She was holding the baby in her arms. Juana told him that some strangers had dug the floor of their house and that, on seeing her approach, they set the house on fire.
Kino did not want anyone to know that he was there. He quietly approached his brother Juan Tomas' house and slipped into it without being noticed by anyone. The neighbours were standing outside their houses shouting to Kino and Juana as they feared they were inside the burning house. Kino told Juan Tomas the whole situation and requested him to hide them for a day. He said they would leave in the evening. Juan Tomas agreed and the family lay hidden in the house during the day. Juan Tomas, however, went out among his neighbours to divert their suspicions. He gave them various ideas as to what might have happened to Kino and Juana. He borrowed several things from them to provide Kino with food for the long journey. That evening Kino took leave of his brother and left La Paz in the darkness of the night.
2.” They have taken the pearl. I have lost it. Now it is over. The pearl is gone." These sentences have been taken from Chapter V. Narrate what happened next to the end of Chapter.
Juana sponged his face till Kino came to his senses. She gave him the pearl and said that he had killed a man. This was certainly something terrible and it frightened him. He made up his mind to leave the town as quickly as possible. He sent her home to bring their baby and all the corn that they had at home while he left for the beach to push the boat into the water.
On reaching the beach, Kino was shocked to find his boat broken. A large hole had been knocked into its bottom making it useless. Kino was deeply enraged but this last thing gave him strength and determination. As he went towards home, he felt much stronger and a new vigour stirred in him. He was on his way back home when he saw flames in the air. He knew that it was their home that was burning fiercely. Kino decided to rush to the house when he saw that Juana running fast towards him. She was holding the baby in her arms. Juana looked pale and terrified. She told him that some strangers had dug out the floor of their house and, on seeing her, they set the house on fire.
Kino was left with no shelter. Their house was burnt and his boat was broken. He faced a great danger because he had killed a man. He did not want anyone to find out that he was still there. His neighbours stood outside their houses shouting to Kino to warn them. He couldn't tell them they were alive. So Kino led Juana to his brother's house through the shadows. They entered the house and hid themselves in there.
Kino's friends were shouting to them in warning as they thought Kino was inside. Apolonia had raised a formal lament but then she decided to bring her new shawl from the house. When she came in, Kino called to her quietly and wished to see Juan Tomas. Kino requested her not to inform anyone else about their presence here. When Juan Tomas came in, Kino told him about the events of that night. He begged him to hide them during the day. He said they would leave in the dark so that no one could see them. Juan Tomas felt deeply worried for their security and agreed to protect them.
Kino and Juana lay hidden in the house during the day. Juan Tomas, however, went out among his neighbours to divert their suspicions. He gave them various ideas as to what might have happened to Kino and Juana. He borrowed several things from them to provide Kino with food for the long journey. That evening Kino took formal leave of his brother and left La Paz for some other place in the darkness of the night.
CHAPTER VI
1. “Kino could feel the blown sand against his ankles.” These lines have been taken from Chapter VI of ‘The Pearl’. Relate in your own words what happened next till Kino is described to slid backward .
Kino was quite happy with the wind because it would wipe out all trace of their advance and no one in the town would know they had gone in that direction. After some time the wind stopped. But by this time they had walked a long distance from the town. Kino hoped that no one would notice their footmarks here. However, Kino wanted to be as cautious as possible. Now he started walking in a rut made by the wheels of a wagon and Juana walked behind in the same rut. Kino hoped that all trace of their passage would be wiped out by the passing wagon in the morning.
They walked at a quick pace all night and did not see anyone on the way. In the early morning Kino started looking for some covert where they could hide and rest during the day. Soon he found such a place near the road. It was hidden behind the trees and so they could not be seen from outside.
While Juana sat there Kino came back to the road. He wiped out the trace of their footsteps leading to the covert where they were hiding. Juana gave him the corn cakes that Apolonia had packed for them. She fed the baby and then she slept for some time while Kino remained awake. When Juana woke up, Kino stretched himself on the ground and soon he fell asleep. After some time he began to stir in sleep and, even when he woke up, he seemed to be very cautious. Then he went towards the road and from behind a tree looked in the direction of La Paz.
Kino was frightened of what he saw in the distance. Two people from the inland were looking for Kino’s footprints while one dark man was following them on horseback. Despite the distance Kino could see his rifle shining in the sun. The trackers reached near the place where Kino was hiding. They observed the place where Kino had wiped out the trace of his advance to their hiding place. Kino was ready to jump at the rifleman but luckily decided to go ahead. After the trackers had left, Kino returned to the shelter. But he was not trying to conceal his passage this time.
2. "The wind blew fierce and strong, and it pelted them with bits of sticks, sand, and little rocks."
Narrate what happened next till the end of the novel.
Kino and Juana walked all night and, in the early dawn, found a place beside the road where to hide during the day. They rested in the shade of brush for some time. When Kino woke up, he felt worried. He went to the path beside the road. There he could see three men coming from the direction of La Paz. Kino knew that two of them were trackers from the inland while the man on the horse had come to find and kill them. The trackers were examining the sandy road. They were apparently looking for Kino and Juana's foot prints to find out their passage.
The trackers reached near where Kino was lying behind a tree. They examined the swept place where Kino had turned towards his hiding place. After some time they decided to go ahead. Kino knew they would soon return when they would find no more tracks. Once they had found this hiding place, the rest would be quite easy. He came back to his family and they left hurriedly for the mountains soon after. On the way, Kino left false signs to mislead the trackers. Since the water bottle was soon empty, Kino set his direction towards a dark place in the hills where he expected to find water as well as passage through the hills..
After climbing a steep slope, they found a pool where they drank water. Kino saw that there were some natural caves up in the hill. They climbed up and hid themselves in one of the caves, hoping that the trackers would not look for them up there. But before it Kino left false tracks of his advance up another slope. The trackers reached late in the afternoon. They were misled by the false tracks and decided to stay there during the night as it was too dark to search for their footprints.
Kino knew the trackers would easily find them in the morning. There was not a chance of escape except to approach them quietly before the moonrise. Slowly he climbed down the rock and reached near them. He hid behind a tree and waited for an opportunity. By this time the moon had arisen so he had to wait till the man on the watch looked away. Unfortunately the baby cried and the watcher became alert. He cocked his rifle and aimed it towards the cave. Kino rushed at him, but before he could reach near, the man had fired. Kino cut his head with his long knife. He seized the rifle with his left hand and in the next moment killed the second person. The third man ran screaming towards the pool. But Kino was now as merciless as steel. He cocked the rifle, took aim and fired.
Kino had killed his enemies but he still stood uncertainly. He realised that something had gone wrong, though he could not under- stand it because of his anger. Slowly his mind cleared up and he heard Juana crying. She was mourning over the dead body of their son.
It was late in the afternoon when the news spread that Kino and Juana were coming back. The people came out of their houses to greet them. Kino and Juana seemed quite aloof. They had apparently suffered beyond the human endurance and no longer looked human beings. The expressions on their faces were as strange and frightening as a rising storm. The people were terrified to look at them. No one dared to speak to them. Kino and Juana were walking together in a single file. Kino was holding a rifle while Juana was carrying the dead body of Coyotito across her shoulder. They went directly toward the beach. Here Kino took out the pearl and flung it into the sea.
3. "Everyone in La Paz remembers the return of the family;” Describe the return journey of Kino and Juana.
Kino and Juana reached the town in the late afternoon. Soon the news of their return had spread in the town. Kino's neighbours and his brother Juan Tomas came out of their houses and stood at the doors to greet them. They were eager to know where Kino and Juana had gone and what had happened to them. They knew about Kino's sufferings and shared the insults imposed on him. The common bond of sympathy was felt much stronger that day. His destiny had become their destiny and in his fate they could read their own. They were eager to find answers to their questions as to what had happened, where they had been and what had happened to their boat.
The neighbours saw Kino and Juana coming at some distance. They were walking together in a single file. Kino was holding a gun while Juana carried the dead body of Coyotito in her shawl. Kino looked terrible and dangerous. Their face expressions conveyed a deep sense of fatigue. They were walking a little jerkily like some wooden dolls and seemed to carry fear with them. No one had the courage to talk to them. They both remained aloof and did not even look towards the burnt place where once their house was.
Kino and Juana walked straight towards the shore. It appeared from their faces that they had suffered beyond human endurance and as a consequence no longer belonged to human race. It seemed as if there was a strange magical protection about them. They no longer belonged to this world and so no one, not even Juan Tomas, could approach them. The town did not exist for them. Neither did they notice the presence of Juan Tomas who raised his hand to greet them. He, too, was frightened and quietly let them pass.
Marching along the path, they reached the shore and climbed down to the beach. Kino and Juana stopped near the water's edge. His hand was shaking a little as he took out the pearl in whose grey surface, he could still see his unfulfilled aspirations. He read his mind in the light reflected by the shining surface of the pearl. He recalled the events of the last few days. The pearl had lost its beauty. The images formed in its surface looked distorted and insane. Its music was also disharmonious. Kino raised his hand and flung the pearl with all his strength into the sea. They stood there watching the place for a long time.
Kino’s Character Kino is the major character and the hero of John Steinbeck's novel "The Pearl". He is a man of great strength and determination. He has a lot of courage and imagination, too. He knows very well that odds are against him; yet he persists in his efforts to improve their lot. He is attacked again and again but he refuses to give way to despair. The pearl buyers try to convince him that his pearl is worth nothing but he can not be put back by deception and lies. He decides to go to the capital to sell his pearl. The fact is that his courage is an inspiration for others.
Kino is a brave man. He is never afraid of facing a challenge bravely and squarely. He knows the risks involved in sticking to his decision to fight back for the future of his son. But he does not cower before them though his friends warn him about it. His wife Juana is scared to death and his brother Juan Tomas is worried but he will not waver even a bit. He thinks that the pearl can provide a chance of better future for his family. Therefore, he is determined to fight back all attempts to steal it even at the risk to his own life.
Kino is a man with understanding and imagination. He is illiterate and can not be quite certain about the things told by these foreigners; yet he can see through them and suspects that they want to cheat him. The doctor succeeds in trapping him only because the risk involved is too great - Coyotito’s life. Yet he thinks that the doctor is responsible for his son's sickness.
Kino loves his family very dearly. It is for a better future for them that he faces so many risks. When he is climbing down from the cave, it is his love for his own family that drives him forward. The enemies have a rifle with them. There are three of them and they can easily kill him but he is not frightened. He moves towards them silently and carefully. Nothing can stop him when the safety of his family is at risk.
He is a symbol of both courage and determination for his race. He depicts the wish and will of man to survive against all odds.
Juana’s Character Juana is a brave woman and plays a major role in this drama of will and determination. She is a woman of great fortitude. She bears all the hardships with patience and courage. She makes every sacrifice for the protection of her small family. She accompanies Kino in the long and hard journey through the sands and bushes and walks bare-footed. Her ankles are badly cut but she hides them from Kino so that he is not worried for her. Then, she bravely bears the grief of her child's death who has been killed by the enemies.
Juana is also a loving mother. She loves her son dearly. When Coyotito is stung by the scorpion, she reacts immediately. She sucks out the poison from his wound. However, she is still worried for their son. She wants to get medical care for him. It is on her bidding that they go to the doctor's house to get medical treatment for the baby. When they can not get medical treatment, she collects seaweed and prepares poultice from it, which she applies to the baby's wound. She prays to their ancient gods that Kino succeed in finding a valuable pearl. In this way she hopes to be able to arrange for Coyotito's treatment.
Juana loves her husband. She is worried for him and fears that he might be killed for the pearl. So she begs him several times to destroy the pearl. However, she also respects his authority. When Kino bids her to be quiet on the subject, she submits like a child.
Juana cares more for Kino's life than for her own safety. She is convinced that the pearl has become a great danger for his life. She also knows that it is not easy for Kino to forget his ambitions. Therefore, she risks disobeying him. She slips quietly at midnight to throw the pearl back into the sea as a last resort to protect their family from its evils. Kino wakes up in time, follows her to the beach and foils her attempt. He beats her severely and leaves her lying on the beach. Still Juana does not complain nor does she resist. She is convinced she did the right thing. She understands that Kino cannot realise it now. He may kill her if he wants, she will not object. But as long as possible, she will try to convince and warn him of the danger. Juana will do what she can to protect their little family, no matter how Kino reacts to it.
In short, Juana is a symbol of reason and is a loving mother as well as a faithful wife.
THE PEARL
Passage-wise Summary Chapter 1
Passage 1 "Kino awakened in the near dark. ......... And the rhythm of the family song was the grinding stone where Juana worked the corn for the morning cakes." Page 1-2
It was almost dark when Kino woke up. The stars were shining and only a dim light had appeared in the sky. The roosters were crowing and the pigs and dogs had started looking for food on the beach. Kino looked towards his son's cradle and then at his wife who lay beside him on the mat. Like always, Juana was already awake and was looking at him. Kino closed his eyes to enjoy the music of waves striking against the beach. Kino's people once made songs for everything they knew. Those songs still remained. In Kino's mind now there was a personal song, which expressed his deep love for his family.
Juana went towards Coyotito's cradle. She spoke lovingly to the baby. Then she lighted the fire. Kino arose and wrapping his blanket about himself went outside. He sat there and watched the dawn. The fire cast rays of light through the door and chinks in the brush house. Juana was grinding the corn. To Kino almost every sound from inside communicated a deep sense of attachment to his own family.
Passage 2 "The dawn came quickly now, a wash, a glow, a lightness and then an explosion of fire as the sun arose out of the gulf ..... Kino sighed with satisfaction - and that was conversation." (Page 3-4)
Kino had to look down from the glare of the sun as it had become too bright to look at. He saw the ants busy on the ground. One small ant was madly trying to escape the trap dug by a big ant. Kino could feel smell of the corn cakes. From different sounds reaching his ears, he could guess what was going on in the house. Juana took the baby out of the cradle, washed and fed him and sang him an ancient song. Kino felt the warmth, safety and wholeness of the family. Sounds from other houses came too but these were other songs. Two roosters were bowing to attack each other. A flight of wild doves flew over his head. The day had become quite warm so he removed the blanket from his nose and went inside. He sat near the fireplace and had his breakfast of beans and corn cakes. Except on feast days, this was his usual meal. Juana had combed her hair. Now she ate her breakfast. They did not talk much. Kino sighed with satisfaction and it meant a lot.
Passage 3 "The sun was warming the brush house, breaking through it crevices in long streaks. ................. The baby has been stung." (Page 4-6 )
The house was lighted with the rays of the sun, which shone on the ropes of the hanging box. Kino and Juana were frightened to see a scorpion moving down the rope. Kino almost froze into his position with fear. But soon he had started moving towards the hanging box. However he was very careful not to alert the scorpion. He was approaching it slowly and quietly when suddenly the baby laughed and reached his hand towards the scorpion. As a result it realised the danger and jerked its sting upright. Now Kino moved even more carefully. However, when he was about to catch it the baby shook the rope. The scorpion fell past his fingers and stung the baby on the shoulder. So far Juana was uttering a blend of prayers and magic words to guard their son. But now she rushed and holding the baby in her arms started sucking and spitting the poison. Kino in his anger had got hold of the scorpion and he was crushing it to death. The neighbours heard the baby's screams and came to their door. Those in front told others what had happened.
Passage 4 "Juana stopped sucking the puncture for a moment. ........................ the hurrying newcomers were being softly informed how the baby had been stung by a scorpion and how the father and mother were taking it to the doctor." (Page 8-10)
Juana had stopped sucking to examine the wound. It had been slightly enlarged while red swelling extended all around the shoulder. They knew that a scorpion's sting was very dangerous. First there would be swelling and fever. Then the baby would feel cramps in the stomach, which could result in Coyotito's death. But Juana could not let this happen to their only son. She was a woman of great endurance. She was often like a strong man. This time too, she surprised everyone. She asked Kino to bring the doctor. It would have been great but the neighbour said the doctor would not come. He had many rich patients to look after and as such never visited the brush houses. Juana could not be put back by this and she decided to take her son to the doctor. She placed the baby in a loop of her shawl and came outside the house. Kino and others followed. Everyone got interested and so they all walked in a procession towards the city. As they marched ahead towards the doctor's house, many more people joined them on the way. The newcomers asked and were informed by other people about the incident.
Passage 5 "And the newcomers, particularly the beggars from the front of the church who were great experts in financial analysis ....... The glaring sun threw bunched shadows of the people blackly on the white wall.” (Page 10-12)
The four beggars from the front of the church could tell in one glance whether a man was rich or poor. These and other people realised that Kino and Juana were too poor to pay the doctor's fee. Particularly the beggars knew a lot about the town. They knew the doctor was extremely cruel and greedy. Many people had died during his clumsy operations. Then they did not expect much alms as the early Mass was over. Therefore, like other people, they too went along to see what would happen. The procession finally reached the doctor's house. Kino, however, was still a little undecided when he knocked at the door. The doctor belonged to the race that had always behaved very rudely towards them. They had not only exploited but also frightened the native people. Kino always felt both angry and afraid when he came across one of them. After some time the gate opened slightly and a servant looked out. Kino told him about the baby. The servant refused to speak in the old language. He rather closed the gate a little and asked Kino to wait while he went to inform the doctor.
Passage 6 "In his chamber the doctor sat up in his high bed...... He looked down in wonder at his split knuckles and at the blood that flowed down his finger."(Page 12-14)
The doctor was taking his breakfast in his chamber. There was a silver tray on his lap and he was drinking chocolate out of a tiny china cup. The doctor had been to Paris for a short while. He remembered those days as the best time of his life and wished to be back there. Since then he had grown rich as well as very fat. Yet his mouth was hanging with discontent. The furniture and the pictures in the room, too, gave a gloomy expression. The doctor noticed the servant standing near the open door and asked him the reason. The servant told him about Kino's baby. At first the doctor got angry saying that he was not a veterinary. Then he ordered the servant to enquire whether Kino could pay the fee for the treatment. The servant came to the door. Kino gave him a few worthless seed pearls. The servant went inside but soon returned with the message that the doctor was not home. Now the people felt so ashamed at Kino's insult that they all left immediately. However, Kino and Juana still stood there, not knowing what to do. Then suddenly Kino hit the gate with his fist just to find that he had wounded only his own knuckles.
Chapter 2
Passage 1 “The town lay on a broad estuary, its old yellow plastered buildings hugging the beach. ... A copper haze hung over the water and the hot morning sun beat on it and made it vibrate blindingly." (Page 15-16)
The town was situated beside a wide estuary. On its beach stood beautiful boats, which were painted with a waterproof plaster. This enabled the boats to last for several generations. There was a heap of shells near the water's edge where lobsters and crabs had made their tiny homes. There were plants, fishes and other sea creatures on the bottom of the sea. While on the beach pigs and dogs looked for food. There was still mist in the air, which made it impossible to see things clearly. Some things were blurred while others were enlarged over and above their normal size. They could not trust their eyes in deciding whether what they saw was there or not. Anyhow it did not look strange to them, as they believed all places were like that.
Passage 2 " Kino and Juana came slowly down to the beach and to Kino's Canoe ... Kino could see them clustered in the haze riding over the oyster bed" (Page 16-18)
Kino's boat was very old. He had inherited it from his grandfather. It was property as well as a source of earning their livelihood. To preserve it from damage, Kino painted it with a waterproof plaster every year. When Kino and Juana came down the beach to his boat, he touched it lovingly. Kino folded his blanket and put it in the boat. Juana laid the baby on it. Then Juana gathered some weed, made a poultice of it and applied it to the baby's swollen shoulder. This was perhaps a much better remedy but Juana could not trust it like the doctor's treatment. Perhaps she had sucked out the poison in time. Yet she was worried for her son and prayed that they might find a pearl with which to hire the doctor. Now they pushed the boat into the water and climbing into it started roving towards the oyster bed. Other fishermen had already gone there. 158 words
Passage 3 Light filtered down through the water to the bed where the frilly pearl oysters lay fastened to the rubbly bottom. ... Whole phrases of it came clearly and softly into the Song of Undersea." (Page 18-20)
The bottom of the sea was full of pearl- oysters. A grain of sand might enter the flesh of an oyster. To protect against it, the oyster started coating it with a smooth layer. Having started, such a process continued till the oyster was dead. This turned the grain of sand into a pearl. In fact the King of Spain had once been a great power due to the wealth earned from this bed. For centuries the fishermen had been diving here to pick up the largest oysters and cut them open to see for pearls. However, the pearls were rarely found. Kino came here with great hope that day. He took off his clothes and slipped into the water. On reaching down he worked very carefully. He tore the largest oysters and put them in his basket. Kino felt much excited. His people had songs for everything in life. So Kino could hear the Song of the Undersea beat in his ears. He was also aware of the Song of the Pearl. This day they needed luck very badly. Their only son's life was in danger and Juana was making the magic of prayer. That was why Kino felt more hopeful of finding a pearl.
Passage 4 Kino, in his pride and youth and strength, could remain down for over two minutes without strain so that he worked deliberately, selecting the largest shells .......... It was a large as a sea gull's egg; it was the greatest pearl in the world." (Page 20-23)
Kino could easily remain down water for over two minutes. He was therefore picking only large shells. He noticed a very old and large oyster beside a rock. It was slightly open and Kino saw a bright light inside it. He tore it from the bottom and holding it against his breast rose up to the surface of the water. There he put the oyster in the boat.
When Kino climbed into the boat, he looked much excited. But first he pulled up his basket from the water. He did not want to open the large oyster as yet. He was afraid that what he saw might be an illusion. Then they feared that eagerness could drive away the good luck. Therefore, Juana, too, behaved as if she had noticed nothing. Kino picked a small oyster from the basket and opened it. Then he pretended as if he had seen the large oyster for the first time. Now Juana could not wait any longer so she asked him to open the large oyster. Kino cut its muscles and there he saw the great pearl shining in all its glory. It was the largest pearl in the world.
Juana moaned with excitement when she saw the great pearl; while Kino felt a sense of pride and exultation. It was like a realisation of his dreams. He held the pearl in his hand and examined its curves. A sudden impulse made Juana remove the poultice from the baby's shoulder to examine the wound. She shouted to Kino with excitement. Kino looked up and was glad to see that the poison was going out of Coyotito’s body. It meant that the baby was quite safe now. Kino felt so excited he could not control his emotions and he started howling to the great surprise of other fishermen.
Chapter 3
Passage 1 "A town is a thing like a colonial animal. A town has a nervous system and a head and shoulders and feet. .................. and it made them giggle a little with pleasure for they knew there is no almsgiver like a poor man who is suddenly lucky." (Page 24-25)
Every town is different from others. Yet in each town news travels much faster. In a strange way, the people of a town know everything immediately. Before Kino and others arrived, everyone had known that Kino had found the Pearl of the World. Kino's neighbours knew it and so did the other people. The priest remembered that the church needed repair. He wondered about the pearl's worth and whether he had baptised Kino's baby or not. The shopkeepers hoped to sell men's clothes on profit. The doctor claimed before a patient that he was treating Kino's son. The news made him hopeful of visiting Paris again. The beggars felt delighted too. They expected to get quite a handsome amount as their share in this sudden stroke of luck for Kino.
Passage 2 " Kino has found the pearl of the world. In the town, in little offices sat the man who bought pearls from the fishers. ........................ The neighbours looked at the pearl in Kino's hand and they wondered how such luck could come to any man." (Page 25-27)
The pearl buyers were particularly excited by the news. In fact, these buyers were the agents of one man who had made them sit in different offices to give an impression of competition. When the pearl fishermen came to their shops, they used various tricks to buy their pearls at the lowest possible price. Now they, too, hoped to start their own business soon. The Pearl had created a very unhealthy situation. Everyone was interested in Kino's pearl because it could help in realising their desires. They thought that Kino stood in the way of their happiness. So he was looked upon as an enemy. They were making plans to steal the pearl. Kino and Juana were, however, very happy. They had no idea how some people were planning to steal their pearl. Their house was crowded with the neighbours who could not help wondering at this stroke of good luck.
Passage 3 And Juan Tomas, who squatted on Kino's right hand because he was his brother asked: "What will you do know that you have become a rich man." ....... Kino was afraid as a man is afraid who says: "I will", without knowing. (Page 27-29)
Then Juan Tomas asked him about his future plans. Kino didn't know what to say. He only looked into the surface of the pearl and there he saw the pictures of all those things that he had wished but had given up as impossible in the past. The pearl gave him the most astonishing ideas. He saw Juana, himself and Coyotito standing and bowing at the high altar in the church. He said they would get married in the church. Then he saw they were all dressed in new clothes and he blurted out that they would buy themselves new dresses.
Kino could see in the lovely surface of the great pearl the pictures of things he wanted to buy. He thought he would buy himself a new harpoon. Then he saw himself holding a rifle. He found it very difficult to articulate the word but somehow he told them he would buy a rifle, too. The neighbours were stunned with surprise to hear this. However Kino was in a different mood together. In fact, man has a great talent since he is always looking for something better. The thought of buying a rifle gave him more confidence. It almost broke all barriers that had prevented him from day-dreaming in the past. Kino was in the mood of making prophecies and he said that his son would get education. In this way, they would know the truth from falsehood. It would make them free, he hoped. Suddenly Kino realised that he had talked too much and he became quiet at once.
Passage 4 "Now the neighbours knew that they had witnessed a great marvel. .............. Children he considered these people and he treated them like children." (Page 29-31)
The neighbours were surprised at Kino's courage and imagination. If he did succeed in his ambitions, then they would remember this event favourably and say he was a man transfigured. However, if he failed, these very people would regard it as a foolish madness on his part. It was getting dark now. Juana went to the fireplace to kindle fire. It was getting dark. However the neighbours felt reluctant to go back to their own houses. Just then the priest entered Kino's house. He was getting old but apparently his lust for life was still quite sharp. He was very clever and ever willing to cheat these people.
Passage 5 "Kino", he said softly, "thou are named after a great man and a great father of the church" ........ He carried the pearl still in his hand tightly closed in his palm, and it was warm and smooth against his skin. (Page 31-32)
The priest told Kino that he was named after a great father of the church. Kino felt suspicious. He was aware of some danger but did not know who could have brought this music of evil. The priest said he had heard about Kino's finding almost a fortune. On this Kino showed him the pearl. The priest gasped a little on the beauty and size of the pearl. He expressed the hope that Kino would give thanks to the God for this valuable pearl. Juana told him about Kino's intention to get married in the church. The priest was pleased to hear this. He prayed for their happiness and then departed. The neighbours also left for their houses. While Juana set the pot on fire, Kino went to the door to look outside. The dog came near and shook itself in greeting but Kino didn't see it. He had broken through into a cold and bleak future. He felt himself lonely and helpless against the danger that surrounded his family.
Passage 6 "Behind him he heard Juana patting the corn-cakes before she put them down on the clay cooking-sheet. ........... and his man enter the brush hut." (Page 32-34)
Juana was busy cooking the corn cakes. Kino standing in the door heard the sounds of patting and the smell of corn cakes on the cooking-plate. These conveyed to him the sense of safety and the warmth of love for his family. Yet he was worried. He had created himself a future by imagining it. It was now very difficult for him to forget it. But he also knew that gods were against making plans and that they took their revenge on a man if he succeeded through his own efforts. He therefore, was preparing to meet the attack. He was trying to think hard for the possible attack. Just then Kino saw the doctor coming towards his house. On reaching the door, he claimed he was not home in the morning and that he had came to Kino's house now on the first opportunity of being able to do so. Kino remembered his insult and refused to let him see the baby. The doctor, however, trapped him quite easily. He told Kino that the poison might attack later. Though the baby seemed at the moment to have quite recovered, the poison might cripple him permanently. Kino was suspicious but he could not take risk. The doctor might be trying to cheat him; yet he could not be sure one way or the other. Then the risk was too great. He did not want to put his son's life in danger. So he let the doctor enter and examine the baby.
Passage 7 "Juana stood up from the fire and backed away as he entered and she covered the baby's face with .............. He took a deep breath and went out of hut and his servant followed him with the lantern." (Page 34-37)
Juana did not let the doctor take the baby till Kino nodded to her. The doctor pretended to look worried while he examined the baby. He rolled the baby's eyelids and examined his eyeball. He felt his head. At last he said that the baby was apparently in great danger. The poison was going to hurt within the hour. He showed Kino how the baby's eyelids had turned blue. The doctor said he would do his best to save the baby. He put some white powder from a bottle into a capsule and closed the capsule with another. Then he placed the capsule on the baby's tongue and made him swallow it with the help of a little pulque. He said the medicine might protect the baby against any possible harm by the poison. Yet to avoid any risk, he promised to come again after an hour. Both the doctor and his servant then left Kino's house.
Passage 8 "Now Juana had the baby under her shawl and she stared at it with anxiety and fear. ....... while Kino ate his beans from his little pottery dish and wiped it clean with a corn-cake and ate the cake and washed the whole down with a drink" (Page 37-38)
The doctor's words had made both Kino and Juana deeply worried while he himself was sitting in his big house, eating his supper of sweet cakes and chocolate. Kino came close to look at the baby. Just then he realised that he was still holding the pearl in his hand. So he went to the box, took out a piece of rag and wrapped the pearl in it. Then he went to the corner of the house and buried the pearl in the dirt floor. The neighbours in their houses were telling each other how beautiful the pearl was. They wondered about Kino's future and wished the riches did not turn Kino's head. What a shame it would be if riches made him a proud or greedy person, as had always happened in such cases. Out in the estuary, big fishes were killing the smaller ones while owls were busy hunting mice in the dark. Kino saw the dog at his door shaking itself in greeting but he looked away. It watched Kino with frantic interest while he took his meal.
Passage 9 "Kino was finished and he was just rolling a cigarette when Juana spoke sharply. ......... The old women squatted down beside Juana to give her aid if they could and comfort if they could not." (Page 38-40)
Kino had eaten his meal when Juana shouted to him with fear. Kino could see that the baby's face had turned red and his throat was working. Some stuff was flowing out of its mouth which indicated that the baby was about to start vomiting. Apparently, the baby was very ill. Kino did not know what to do. He suspected that this sudden illness was caused by the white powder. Coyotito was crying with pain while Juana rocked him from side to side. The neighbours soon came to know about the baby's illness and they remarked on it how luck often brings bitter friends with it. They rushed into Kino's house to express their sympathy. The old women sat near Juana trying to give whatever help they could.
Passage 10 "Then the doctor hurried in, followed by his man. He scattered the old women like chickens. He took the baby ...................... 'It would be a shame to have it stolen before you could sell it,' said the doctor and he saw Kino's eyes flick involuntarily to the floor near the side post of the house." (Pages 40-41)
After an hour, the doctor came again to Kino's house. He examined the baby and claimed that the child was in great danger. He gave the baby some ammonia drops. The vomiting stopped and Coyotito, being tired, went to sleep. The doctor told Juana that he had saved the baby's life but Kino still had his doubts about him. He could not help looking again and again at the white powder bottle in his bag. Juana, however, looked with adoration at the doctor for saving her child's life. The doctor asked Kino when he would pay for the treatment. At this Kino promised to do so after he had sold the pearl. The doctor looked surprised and pretended as that he did not know about it. He offered to keep the pearl in his safe for him. Kino declined the offer. The doctor said that Kino should be careful lest the pearl be stolen. This made Kino look toward the secret place where he had buried it. The doctor followed the direction of his eyes. In this way he discovered where the pearl was buried before he left for his house.
Passage 11 "When the doctor had gone and the neighbours reluctantly returned to their houses Kino squatted beside the little glowing coals in the fire hole and listened ................... And then Kino awakened with the evil music pulsing in him, and he lay in the darkness with his ears alert." (Page 41-42)
Kino sat near the fireplace listening to different sounds of the night. Kino's people often woke up in their sleep and talked a little before falling asleep again. After some time when the night felt quieter, he went to the door and looked out. He made sure there was no one around. Then he came back, and removed the pearl from its former place. He buried it under his sleeping mat. When Juana asked him who he feared, Kino replied that he was afraid of everyone. They both lay together on the mat and soon fell asleep. Kino, however, remained disturbed even in his sleep. It was past midnight when Kino suddenly stirred in his sleep. This woke up Juana, and then Kino, too, opened his eyes in the darkness. He lay with his ears alert because he was aware of the music of the evil.
Passage 12 "Then from the corner of the house came a sound so soft it might have been simply a thought, a little furtive movement, a touch of foot on earth, the almost inaudible purr of controlled breathing ................. 'It is nothing,' Kino said, but his eyes and his voice were hard and cold and a brooding hate was growing in him." (Page 43-44)
Kino was listening hard because he could feel that someone was inside the house. He heard the sound of controlled breathing but it was very low. Kino thought he was imagining things in his fear. But then Juana warned him quietly and he heard the sound of scratching the dirt floor. In his anger, Kino jumped to his feet and attacked the unknown person that was present in the corner of their house. It was too dark to see. However, he was able to hit him on the second attempt. In the struggle Kino received a blow on the head and fell to the ground while the attacker managed to escape. She shouted in terror. Then she went to a corner of the house and found a candle there. She lighted it. She saw that blood was flowing down Kino's forehead. She wiped the blood with her head shawl.
Passage 13 Now the tension that had been growing in Juana boiled up to the surface. "This thing is evil," she cried harshly. "This pearl is like sin!" ................ And because they were in some way one thing and one purpose, she smiled with him. And they began this day with hope." (Page 44-45)
Juana was terribly frightened. She wanted Kino to get rid of the pearl. It was evil and had brought them only bad luck. She was afraid it would destroy them all. She begged to Kino to throw away the pearl or destroy it before its evil was fully upon them. At first Kino tried to convince her that it was their only chance in life. When he failed to dispel her fears, he ordered her to be quiet. He said they would sell it in the morning and its evil would pass on. Only the good would remain then. It was almost dawn now. Kino dug out the pearl and looked at it. The pearl's beauty delighted his brain. It gave him the hope that the pearl would end all his misery. It would protect them from hunger, sickness and insult. Kino felt relaxed with the prospect of prosperity. Juana saw that Kino smiled and, since their lives were bound with the mutual ties of sympathy, she too smiled.
Chapter 4
Passage 1 "It is wonderful the way a little town keeps track of itself and of all its units. ................ Quite apart from any reward they might get, from any word of praise, from any promotion, a pearl buyer was a pearl buyer, and the best and happiest pearl buyer was he who bought for the lowest price." (Page 46-47)
A small town keeps track of its people and all their activities in a peculiar way. Those who lead a normal life in accordance with the customs of the society are almost ignored. But the people start getting nervous as soon as a man or woman behaves strangely. They want to know about his activities. That is why everyone in La Paz knew that Kino was going to sell his pearl that morning. It was widely known among the whole community including the shopkeepers and people in the church. Particularly the pearl buyers were anxiously waiting for the moment. The pearl buyers were actually the agents of one man. However, they gave the impression as if there was a competition among them. In fact it was so in the past but it was supposed harmful to the interest of pearl buyers. Often, in their competition to secure a valuable pearl, they paid the fishermen too great a price. Now there was only one owner and these pearl buyers were really his agents. Each of them was considering his role in the cheating they were going to play on Kino. Yet each one felt excited, as it would be a test of his skill as a pearl buyer. Though they would not benefit anything from the purchase it would be much exciting to buy the pearl for the lowest price.
Passage 2 "The sun was hot yellow that morning and it drew the moisture from the estuary. and from the gulf. ............ For tomorrow, or even this afternoon, he would have new clothes." (Page 47-49)
There was mist in the air that caused illusions all the time. Kino's neighbours had not gone fishing this day. They were boasting in their houses how they would have donated the money to the church or spent it on the welfare of poor people if they had owned the pearl. They claimed they liked Kino but were afraid that sudden riches could completely ruin his character turning him into a selfish, cruel and greedy person. This would be very unfortunate, as it would destroy his whole family. So far Kino and Juana were concerned it was the most important day in their life. Therefore, Juana dressed her son in new clothes that she had kept safe for his baptism. She, too, wore her marriage skirt. Even Kino's dress, though, old was clean at least. Then they believed it was the last day of their poverty. The next day or even this afternoon he might purchase himself new clothes after he had sold the pearl.
Passage 3 "The neighbours, watching Kino's door through the crevices in their brush houses were dressed and ready too. ................ But because of the seriousness of the occasion only one man walked with Kino, and that was his brother Juan Tomas." (Page 49-50)
The neighbours were watching Kino's door through the crevices. They were dressed and ready to accompany Kino. They thought Kino would expect them to do so. Kino was very conscious about the tilt of his hat to show that he was aggressive, serious and strong. He had put the pearl in a leather box, which in turn had been wrapped in a piece of cloth and put in his pocket. When Kino and Juana set off for the town the neighbours along with their children accompanied them. However considering the seriousness of the occasion, only Juan Tomas walked with Kino.
Passage 4 Juan Tomas cautioned his brother. "You must be careful to see they do not cheat you." And "Very careful," Kino agreed. .........…………... Nothing could break down this wall, and they could remain whole within the wall. (Page 50-52)
On the way, Juan Tomas warned Kino to be careful lest the pearl buyers cheated him. He told his brother how once in the past pearls were pooled with a man who took them to the capital. The people expected to earn more money in this way. But that man did not return and the pearls were lost. Another attempt had the same result. So they gave up this idea. Kino said that he had heard about it from his father. He reminded Juan Tomas how the priest preached every year that it was a sinful act. If anyone left his place the earth was in danger of attack by the Hell. The priest told them that the loss of pearls was a punishment visited upon them because they had tried to leave their place. For the last four hundred years, Kino's race had learnt one defence against the foreigners and that was squinting their eyes. So this time, too, they did the same to express their helplessness.
Passage 5 "The gathering procession was solemn, for they sensed the importance of this day. ................ The pearl buyers' offices were clustered together in one narrow street..... and the wooden slats cut out the light so that only a soft gloom entered the offices." (Page 52-53)
The people were walking very seriously. If any child misbehaved, he was disciplined by his parents. As the procession marched ahead more and more people joined it. The little shops lost their customers and the owners, too, joined the procession. Like before, the four beggars also went along. The pearl buyers heard about the approach of the procession in their dark offices situated in a narrow lane. They grew alert and hid their inferior pearls. Everyone tried to look busy when Kino would enter his office.
Passage 6 A stout slow man sat in an office waiting. His face was fatherly and benign and his eyes” .................. "We will value it and will give you the best price." And his fingers worked furiously with the coin." (Page 53-55)
One of the dealers was extremely cunning. He could impress others with his false show of sincerity. He had not only shaved but also polished his finger nails. He was eagerly waiting for Kino's arrival at his shop. To control his anxiety, the dealer was humming to himself and rolling a coin over his knuckles. By the time the crowd arrived at his shop his anxiety had reached to an extreme. Kino entered the shop and stared in the gloom. The shopkeeper greeted him and asked what he could do for him. His eyes examined Kino very minutely while the rest of his face smiled in greeting. Kino told him he had a pearl to sell. The shop- keeper wished to see his pearl saying that he would make him the best offer.
Passage 7 "Now, Kino instinctively knew his dramatic effects.... And his right hand went behind the desk and pulled another coin from his pocket, and the coin rolled back and forth over the knuckles." (Page 55-57)
Kino knew through instinct how to create a dramatic effect. He took out the lather bag rather very slowly but then threw the pearl almost at once in the velvet tray. Immediately he looked into the dealer's eyes to see its impact on him. The dealer was struck with its beauty so much that he forgot to roll the coin properly and it fell down into his lap. He, however, managed to look uninterested. He examined the pearl cursorily and then threw it back into the tray. With a cruel and scornful smile, he told Kino that it was not a pearl but just a curiosity. He claimed that being rather too large it would not sell so easily. There was just a possibility that some museum might wish to keep it in its collection of shells. He offered a thousand pesos for it. Kino became very angry. He said that it was worth fifty thousand but the dealer was trying to cheat him. The people started grumbling. This frightened the dealer and he immediately suggested that Kino was free to consult the other pearl buyers. He offered to call in some of them at his own shop. This might satisfy Kino that his offer was genuine and that no trick was being played upon him.
Passage 8 Kino's neighbours whispered together. They had been afraid of something like this. .............. The hum of talk came to him dimly, his rage blood pounded in his ears, and he burst through and strode away and Juana followed trotting after him. (Page 57-58)
The neighbours were of the opinion that Kino should take one thousand pesos. They thought the pearl was not really valuable as it had a strange colour. Kino felt that he was being cheated. The three dealers came in and on the shopkeeper's request examined the pearl one by one. They tried to convince Kino that it was not really a good pearl. One said he did not want to make any offer, as it was not a pearl but an ugly thing. The other examined the pearl with the help of a magnifying glass. He claimed it would soon lose its colour. The third dealer offered five hundred pesos for the pearl. Kino felt angry and he snatched the pearl out of his hand. He pushed the pearl back into his pocket saying that his pearl was not for sale there. This made the dealers realise they had played too hard. Afraid of being disciplined for their failure, the dealer immediately revised his offer and said he would go to even fifteen hundred pesos. Kino knew they were cheating him and had made up his mind he would not sell his pearl to them. He was pushing his way through the crowd while Juana followed him.
Passage 9 "When the evening came, the neighbours in the brush houses sat eating their corn-cakes and beans .......... .......... "To determine to go and to say it was to be half way there." (Page 59-61)
The neighbours discussed the events of that morning in their houses. Some thought that Kino was a fool. He should have accepted the offer. One thousand and five hundred pesos was a great deal of money. He would repent it if he failed to find a buyer for his pearl in the Capital. Others claimed he had done right and that they all might benefit from Kino's courage. Kino was however deeply worried. He always felt afraid of strange places and strange people. On the one hand, he had created his future by saying what it would be like. In fact, he could never be happy in the kind of life he had lived so far. At the same time, he had declared to do something, which now seemed impossible to him. Juana too was worried looking at her husband.
Passage 10 Juan Tomas came in and squatted down beside Kino and remained silent for a long time. ..................... She held Coyotito... and her voice was brave against the threat of the dark music." (Page 61-63)
Juan Tomas came to Kino's house and sat with him on the mat. He remained silent for a long time until Kino tried to convince him that he had no other choice. Kino claimed that the pearl buyers were cheating him of his only chance to educate his son. Juan Tomas agreed with him saying that they were being cheated throughout their lives. However, they had survived despite it. The situation with Kino was quite different. He had challenged not only the pearl buyers but also the whole system. As such Kino had put himself in a very dangerous situation. He should have sold the pearl here. In fact he would be facing much greater risk if he went to the capital. Kino was firm about his former decision. Kino sat brooding long after Juan Tomas had left. He felt all escapes were cut off and he could not hope to succeed in his ambitions. Juana looked with worry at her husband while she performed her domestic duties.
Passage 11 Kino did not move nor ask for his supper. His eyes were entranced ........................ His eyes were soft and warm on her then; his hand touched her cheek. "Let us sleep a little," he said. (Page 62-65)
Juana realised his worry, but she knew she could help best by being near and silent. Kino could feel the dangers challenging him to come outside. At last he stood up and in his dazed condition went towards the door. Juana was terrified and wanted to stop him. Kino stood in the door for a long time. Then he suddenly stepped outside. Juana heard the running feet and then the sound of a blow. On rushing out, she found Kino lying unconscious on the ground. He had a wound across his cheeks. Juana helped him stand up him and walk into the house, and then she wiped the blood from his wound. Kino was half dazed and was shaking his head from side to side. Juana was crying all that time. Now she could no longer restrain her tension. She suddenly spoke up begging Kino to destroy the pearl. She feared that it would ruin the whole family. Kino did not agree with her. He told her to be quiet saying that he was a man. He knew how to defend himself and his family. Now Juana had no choice and she was obliged to be quiet, as Kino's words were command for her. Kino tried to comfort her by saying that they would leave for the capital early in the morning. He assured her no one could cheat them, as he was a man.
Chapter 5
Passage 1 "The last moon arose before the first rooster crowed. Kino opened his eyes in the darkness for he sensed movement. ...………… She climbed painfully to her feet and she dipped her cupped palms in the little waves and washed her bruised face with the stinging salt water and then she went creeping up the beach after Kino." (Page 66-68)
Kino woke up in time to see Juana digging out the pearl and leaving for the beach. He became angry and followed her quietly. She was about to throw the pearl when he jumped at her and snatched the pearl from her hands. In his anger he hit her badly. Juana knew that he could even kill her but she did not resist. But soon Kino felt so disgusted that he left Juana lying on the beach and started walking up the beach towards the house. On the way, he was attacked in the dark. He hit someone with his knife, received a blow himself and fell to the ground losing consciousness. The pearl knocked down from his hand and lay behind a rock. It could not be seen due to darkness. The attackers searched for it in his clothes but did not find it.
After some time Juana dragged herself up the beach. She felt no anger for Kino in spite of this violence on his part. He had clearly told him that he was a man. It meant that he would brook no resistance and yield to no hard circumstances. But she also knew that he would hurt himself in an uneven struggle. Kino didn't realise the danger. It was not annoying to Juana, however. She knew that only a man could protect her. She would stay with Kino no matter how he reacted to the situation. She hoped she might succeed in persuading Kino at some other time and in this way she might save her family from ruin.
Passage 2 A flight of herring clouds had moved over the sky from the south. The pale moon dipped in and out of the strands of clouds. ............. "Go to our house and bring Coyotito," he said, "and bring all the corn we have. I will drag the canoe ........ and we will go. (Page 68-71)
There were clouds on the sky while Juana walked home through the brushy area. From time to time the moon peeped out of the clouds. While she was on her way, she saw the pearl in the momentary moonlight. She bent low to pick it up. She was considering going back and throwing the pearl when she noticed two people lying in her path. She rushed forward and found Kino lying unconscious beside a dead body. She realised that the stranger was killed by Kino. Now their only chance was in escape. The past was gone for ever. She forgot her pain and sponged Kino's face and, when he came to senses, told him about the new situation. Kino was not fully conscious and he kept muttering they had taken his pearl. Juana gave him the pearl to comfort him. Still Kino was not fully in his senses and he said he killed the man in self defence. Juana made him realise that the men in the city would not believe him. At last Kino realised that they must leave the town quickly. He asked Juana to bring the baby while he was going to the shore to push the boat into the water.
Passage 3 He took his knife and left her. He stumbled towards the beach ......... "I don't know," she said. "The dark ones." (Page 71-72)
When Kino reached the beach, he found that a large hole had been made into his boat. It was an evil beyond thinking. The killing of a man was a lesser evil as compared to breaking a hole into the boat. Kino felt not only angry but also extremely sad. This boat had come to him from his grandfather. Anyhow this last thing gave him the strength and will to fight for and preserve his family. However, he could not think of taking one of his neighbours' boats. It was almost dawn by now. Kino was returning home when he saw a flame at some distance. He knew that it was his house and was about to run when he saw Juana running towards him. She told him that the dark ones had dug out the floor of their house. When they saw her they set the house on fire. Juana could save only the baby.
Passage 4 The neighbours were tumbling from their houses now, and they watched the falling sparks. .......... "Do not even whisper that Kino is here." (Page 73-75)
Kino's neighbours were coming out of their houses. They stamped the falling sparks to protect their own houses from catching fire. Kino was afraid because he had killed a man. He did not want anyone to know he was there. He, therefore, walked in the shadows and reached his brother's house. They slipped in quietly. The neighbours were watching the burning house. They thought Kino and Juana were inside and they shouted warnings to them. When the house had burnt down, Apolonia started crying. They thought that Kino and Juana had burnt down in the house and so Apolonia started the formal lament on their death. She entered the house to wear her best shawl. Kino quietly called to her saying that they were not hurt. He requested her to bring in Juan Tomas without telling anyone else that they were there. When Juan Tomas came in Kino told him the events of that night. Kino requested him to protect them. When he saw that his brother looked deeply worried he told him they wanted shelter for one night only and would leave as soon as it got dark the next evening. Juan Tomas agreed to it and assumed responsibility for their protection.
Passage 5 "They sat silently all day in the darkness of the house and they could hear their neighbours speaking of them ................... "If I give it up I shall lose my soul. Go thou also with God." (Page 75-77)
They remained inside the house for the whole day. Their neighbours were shocked to hear that Kino's boat was damaged. Juan Tomas went among them again and again to divert their suspicions. He tried to give them different ideas as to what had happened to Kino's family. There was a severe storm that day. No boat could have remained safe in such a storm. Juan Tomas told among neighbours that Kino, too, must have drowned in the sea. Every time Juan Tomas visited one of his neighbours he borrowed something or other. In this way, he provided Kino with some articles of daily use. Kino felt himself more secure when Juan Tomas brought him a large working knife that was eighteen inches long. In the evening the brothers talked long. Juan Tomas advised Kino to avoid the shore as the men in the city were sending a party to look for him. He also wanted him to get rid of the pearl. Kino, however, felt that it was his misfortune but it had become his soul, as well. He could not imagine parting with it.
CHAPTER 6
Passage 1 The wind blew fierce and strong and it pelted them with bits of sticks, sand and little rocks. ............. And Kino gripped the handle of the big working knife and took a sense of protection from it. (Page 78-79)
Kino and Juana set out in the darkness of the night. The town was closed in during the night and so anyone moving about could be noticed. They took a path around the town and avoided its centre so that no one noticed their leaving. Soon Kino found the sandy road through the brush land that led to Lorreto. A strong wind was blowing at the time. However Kino was happy with it. He hoped that their footprints in the sand would be blown away by the wind and no one would find their passage. Now he was not confused about his future course. He felt a new vigour stirring in him. Some animal thing from the past experience of his race made him both cautious and dangerous. They kept walking at a swift pace all night. When the wind stopped, they began to walk in a wheel-rut. Kino hoped that their footprints might be removed by a wagon going to the town in the early morning. On the way they heard cries of wolves and other wild beasts. Kino took a sense of protection from the big knife that he held open in his hand.
Passage 2 The music of the pearl was triumphant in Kino's head, and the quiet melody of the family underlay it... "I don't know," he said. "I didn't see them." (Page 79-81)
The music of the pearl gave Kino great confidence. They walked all night and in the early dawn he started looking around for a shelter beside the road. Soon he found such a place. Kino swept all traces to their roadside shelter. In the early morning, he heard a wagon pass by and found that their footmarks had been wiped out by its wheels. They took their simple breakfast. Juana slept a little, while Kino sat awake. With the rise of sun, it grew very hot. Juana woke up after a while and Kino told him about the harms of certain trees. She smiled at him because she already knew these things. Juana was not sure they would be followed. She thought the pearl was not really valuable and that it was all an illusion. But Kino was certain that men in the city would make every effort to find them.
Passage 3 He looked into his pearl to find his vision. "When we sell it at last I will have a rifle.".... When Coyotito gurgled on the ground he said: ‘Keep him quiet.’ ‘What is the matter?’ Juana asked. "I don't know." Page 81-83
Kino took out the pearl from his clothes to find his vision in there and to comfort himself by the happy images in its surface. But the images in the pearl were ugly and reminded him only of the misery that they had suffered in the last day or two. After a while Kino fell asleep while Juana remained awake and alert like a guard. When the baby woke up she gave him water. Kino was moving uneasily in his sleep as if he was fighting someone. Suddenly he sat up and tried to listen. Juana asked him the reason but Kino told her to be quiet. Juana reminded him that he might have been dreaming. But Kino still felt uneasy and worried. Even during the meal, he stopped several times and tried to listen if there was any sound.
Passage 4 "He listened again, an animal light in his eyes. He stood up then, silently ... Now Juana, back in her hidden place, heard the pad of the horse's hoofs and Coyotito gurgled. She took him up quickly and put him under her shawl and fed him and he was silent." (Page 83-85)
Kino was listening hard for any sound while he was taking his meal. Then he stood up and went back towards the road. There he lay behind a large tree to look at the road that led in the direction of La Paz. Kino saw three persons coming along the road, one was a dark man who carried a rifle and was riding on a horse. The two others were trackers from the inland. They were examining the ground for footprints. Kino knew these people were as sensitive as hounds, and could track them very easily. He was lying still behind the large tree. He feared that the trackers would notice the swept place. The trackers seemed very excited as they came along. Kino decided to attack the rider first and seize his rifle in case they found out about his hiding place. Back in the shelter, Juana heard the sound of hoofs. She put the baby to her breast and fed him to keep him quiet.
Passage 5 When the trackers came near, Kino could see only their legs and the legs of the horse from under the fallen branch …………….. he said. "We will go into the mountains. Maybe we can lose them in the mountains." Page 85-87
The trackers reached near and now Kino could see only their legs from under the dead branch. They examined the swept place and also watched the horse's ears. Kino was ready for attack and waited with tension building in him. But the trackers went ahead. Kino knew they would come back sooner or later. He returned to Juana. He did not try to conceal his passage this time. He knew that the trackers could locate them easily and so he lost all hope. He thought of giving up the struggle and surrendering himself over to the trackers. Juana reacted at once. She reminded Kino that they would not take them back alive. They would kill even the baby in order to steal the pearl. This made Kino so furious that he regained his manhood. He decided to go toward the mountains to escape from the danger.
Passage 6 "Frantically he gathered the gourds and the little bags that were their property ........... overwhelming now, but secret and poisonous, and the pounding of his heart gave it undertone and rhythm. (Page 87-88)
Kino carried his things in one hand, while he held the large knife in the other. They walked quickly towards the mountains in a state of panic and Kino did not try to conceal his passage. It was terribly hot and Kino was running for the high place. On the way, the land was dry. There was little vegetation, so that the mountains ahead looked cool and comforting. Kino could imagine how the trackers were pursuing their track like excited dogs. They would soon find out that they had lost the track. Then, they would return to the swept place and once they had discovered their hiding place the rest would be quite easy. The fallen leaves and knocked away stones would tell them of their passage to the hills. Kino also remembered the man with the rifle who had come to kill them. It made him aware of the great danger.
Passage 7 The way began to rise, and as it did the rocks grew larger. But now Kino had put a little distance between his family and the trackers. Now, on the first rise, he rested. ..................... And the path rose steeply now, so that he panted a little as he went." (Page 89-90)
Now the path had begun to rise. But soon Kino had left the trackers far behind. So they rested after climbing the first rise. Juana gave the baby water from the bottle. When she saw Kino examining her bruised ankles, she covered them under the long skirt. She handed the bottle to Kino but Kino shook his head. He suggested that Juana should stay behind and hide there while Kino would lead the trackers into the mountains. Then she should go to Lorreto or Santa Rosalia. If Kino managed to escape, he would join her there. Juana refused to act on his advice. She was determined to stay with him. However, Kino's words had taken strength from her and now they were not walking very fast. In order to mislead the trackers, Kino left many false signs on the way, leading to wrong directions. Where possible, he walked on bare rocks to leave no track of their passage.
Passage 8 "The sun moved downwards toward the bare stone teeth of the mountains and Kino set his direction for a dark and shadowy cleft in the range. ................ Far down the slope he could see the two trackers; they were little more than dots and behind them a larger ant." (Page 90-93)
Kino was going towards a dark cave in the mountain range. He thought that they might find some water there. Moreover if there was any passage then it could also be through the same cleft. Although the trackers, too, could think of it, Kino had to take this risk as the water bottle was empty and they felt very thirsty. Up in the high mountains, a little spring flowed out of a hole in the rocks. During the summer season, water flowed into it from the melting snow preserved in the shade. The lean spring flowed down many steps and so reached the last step. From there, it dropped to the dry land and dried completely. The pool at the last step remained full though only a pencil of water fell into it. Here colonies of wild plants had grown. Besides, the birds and animals also came here to drink water. These pools, which were like steps, had become the places of life as well as hunting spots of the wild animals.
The sun had crossed over the mountains when Kino and Juana climbed up to this place. They felt very tired so they went straight to the pool of water. Juana washed the baby's face and gave him water. They drank long and thirstily at the pool. Juana put the baby to her breast and fed him. Kino lay beside the water to relax himself. After a while, he stood up and went near the edge to look down over the land. At a short distance, he noticed that the trackers were coming along the brushy road. They were yet far away and looked little larger than small ants.
Passage 9 Juana had turned to look and she saw his back stiffen. "How far," she asked quietly. ....... Kino heard the baby whimper, and he knew from the muffled sounds that Juana had covered his head with her shawl. (Page 93-95)
Kino guessed the trackers would reach there by the evening. He noticed some small natural caves about thirty feet up the rock shoulder. He climbed up and crawled into the largest of them. He knew that they could lie inside without being seen from below. He helped Juana go up there. Then he climbed up to the other side of the cleft and left false traces of his passage there. He returned and climbed up into the cave and lay beside Juana. However, he took care that no signs were left behind which might reveal their passage up to the cave in the hill.
Kino had planned to slip down again after the trackers had gone ahead. But the trackers took a long time in reaching there. They were deceived by the false tracks and thought that Kino had gone up the cliff. It was almost dark, so the trackers decided to stay there during the night. Kino could see them dimly. He heard a muffled sound. He turned and saw that it was Coyotito. The baby was weeping while Juana had covered his face with her shawl to keep the voice low.
Passage 10 Down on the beach a match flared, and in its momentary light Kino saw that two of the men were sleeping ................ And looking down she could see the cigarette of the man on the watch. (Page 95-97)
The rifleman struck a match and Kino saw in its light how they were seated. One of them was on watch while the two other were sleeping. Kino knew he should act at once because the enemies would find them easily in the day- light. He decided to reach down quietly and attack the trackers. Juana feared he might be noticed, but Kino felt confident that once he reached down and got hold of the rifle, every thing would be all right. He touched Juana's cheeks to bid good-bye. Then he took off his white clothes. The big knife hung from his amulet neck-string and so both his hands were free. Juana saw his dark body against the cave entrance and then he had started climbing downward. She came close to look at him while the baby slept in her shawl with head resting against her shoulder. Now it was not so dark and she could easily see the white cigarette of the man on the watch.
Passage 11 "Kino edged like a slow lizard down the smooth rock shoulder. He had turned his neck string so that the great knife hung down from his back and could not clash against the stone. ..... the silver edge of the moon slipped above the eastern horizon, and Kino sank back behind his bush." (Page 97-98)
Kino was very careful not to attract any notice. It was a painful progress. His legs and feet moved down very slowly because his body against the dark rock could be noticed easily. If the watcher below felt any movement or heard any unusual sound, he could see him. Kino felt deep love for his family. The song of family was giving him the strength and it was driving him on toward the enemy. Juana saw that Kino reached down and hid behind a tree. He was breathing heavily after his long and tiresome struggle down the rocks. Kino was now twenty feet away from the enemy. He tried to recall in his mind the picture of the ground lest he was tripped in his rush on the enemy. The ragged moon would rise any moment so Kino had to hurry in his attack. His target was to kill the watcher first and seize his rifle. But just as he rose from his crouch position, the silver edge of the moon appeared in the east. Kino had to sink behind the bush.
Passage 12 "It was and old and ragged moon, but it threw hard light and hard shadow into the mountain cleft. …………. And then Kino's brain cleared and he knew the sound - the keening, moaning, rising hysterical cry from the little cave in the side of stone mountain, the cry of death." (Page 99-101)
It was a waning moon yet it threw hard light and shadows. Kino had to wait till the watcher turned his head. Just then the baby cried. The rifleman got up and looked towards the cave. One of the sleepers woke up. He though that it was a coyote pup. The watcher cocked the rifle and aimed it at the dark cave. Kino was about to rush at the enemy when he heard the shot. Kino struck the watcher with his large knife and snatched the rifle away from his hand. He was acting and moving like a machine. In the next move he killed the seated man. The third man woke up and ran up the cliff. But Kino rushed towards him and shot at him. The men fell into the pool yelling with fear and begging for mercy. But Kino was as cold as steel. He took aim between his eyes and fired. Now Kino had killed all his three enemies. Yet he felt something was wrong. All the time some signal was trying to reach his mind. He was aware of some sound but could not understand it due to his angry state of mind. Slowly, he calmed down and then he knew that it was Juana crying over her son's dead body.
Passage 13 "Everyone in La Paz remembers the return of the family. There may be some old ones who saw it, but those whose fathers .................... ...... And they did not look towards Kino's broken boat." (Page 101-103)
Everyone in La Paz remembers Kino and Juana's return as clearly as if they had personally seen it. It was late in the afternoon when the news about their arrival spread in the whole town. The people rushed out of their houses to see and greet them. Kino and Juana were walking side by side. Kino was holding a rifle while Juana carried the dead body of Coyotito in her shawl. They looked extremely tired. Yet, they did not show any weakness. It seemed they no longer belonged to the human world. They had been through so great a suffering that they had crossed to the other side of humanity. The people were frightened to look at them. Even Juan Tomas dared not greet his brother; so removed did they both look from human experience. They passed the town without noticing it and marched ahead. They did not look towards the burnt place which was once their house, did not even talk to anyone but marched together quietly towards the beach.
Passage 14 "And when they came to the water's edge they stopped and stared out over the gulf. .And then Kino laid his rifle down ............ And the music of the pearl drifted to a whisper and disappeared." (Page 103-104)
On reaching the beach, Kino took out the pearl and looked into its surface for some time. Ugly faces stared out of its grey surface reminding him of the horrible incidents of the past few days. The pearl had brought them nothing but misery and sorrows. He threw the pearl into the sea with all his strength. Both Kino and Juana stood there for a long time, watching the place where the pearl fell into the water. When the pearl settled down, it looked again as beautiful as before. Its music, too, was lovely and sweet before it disappeared under the cloud of sand raised by a lobster.