University:
Cambridge College
Course:
LIT 315 | American Literature
Academic year:

2023
Views:

357

Pages:

1
Author:

Deangelo Foley

Chapter 2 (pg. 14-20) 1. How is a canoe a bulwark against starvation? A canoe is a bulwark against starvation because it enables Kino and his family to fish for their livelihood. With the canoe, they can venture out into the sea to catch fish, providing them with a reliable food source and protecting them from hunger. 2. How is a pearl formed? A pearl is formed when an irritant, such as a grain of sand or a parasite, becomes trapped inside an oyster or mollusk. In response, the oyster secretes layers of nacre around the irritant, gradually forming a pearl over time. 3. What does Juana pray for? Why? Juana prays for protection and guidance for her family. She does this because she is worried about their safety and well-being, especially in the face of the recent threat posed by the scorpion sting and their precarious living situation. 4. The Indians think of God or “the gods.” What does this reveal about their religious beliefs? The Indians' belief in God or "the gods" reveals that they have a polytheistic religious belief system. They believe in the existence of multiple deities or spiritual forces that influence and shape their lives, and they pray to these entities for protection, guidance, and blessings. 5. On what two discoveries does Chapter 2 end? Chapter 2 ends with two discoveries: Kino finds a large pearl, which he sees as a potential solution to his family's financial struggles, and Juana discovers that Coyotito's shoulder wound has healed, alleviating their immediate concerns about his health. 6. Why does Kino howl? Kino howls in a mixture of joy and triumph after finding the large pearl. The howl is an instinctual expression of his excitement and relief, as he believes that the pearl will bring prosperity and security to his family. 7. On page 15, Steinbeck tells us that because the mixture of air and water over the gulf creates mirages, the Indians do not trust what they see with their eyes. How could this fit with the theme of “appearance versus reality”? The Indians' mistrust of what they see with their eyes due to mirages over the gulf fits with the theme of "appearance versus reality" by highlighting the idea that things are not always as they seem. Just as the mirages distort their perception of reality, appearances can be deceiving in other aspects of life, leading to misunderstandings, false assumptions, and misplaced trust. This theme is echoed throughout the novel as characters grapple with the true nature of wealth, happiness, and human relationships.