Chapter 4: The Pearl by John Steinbeck: Unit Overview

Chapter 4 (pg. 40-56) 1. In the first paragraph how has the wholeness of the town been disrupted? The wholeness of the town has been disrupted by the arrival of the pearl buyers, who represent outside interests and disrupt the harmony and balance of the community. 2. Why is there no longer any real competition among the pearl buyers? There is no longer any real competition among the pearl buyers because they collude to fix prices and manipulate the market to their advantage. They work together to ensure that they can buy the pearls at the lowest possible price, without offering fair value to the pearl divers. 3. Why is this a big day for the entire village? This is a big day for the entire village because the arrival of the pearl buyers represents an opportunity for the villagers to sell their pearls and potentially improve their financial situation. 4. In earlier times how did the pearl divers try to get a better price for their pearls and what happened to their effort? In earlier times, the pearl divers tried to get a better price for their pearls by banding together and threatening to withhold their pearls from the market until they received fair value. However, their efforts were met with violence and oppression from those in power, who sought to maintain control over the pearl trade and exploit the divers for their own gain. 5. What is suggested by the priest’s sermon on pages 44-45? The priest's sermon suggests that material wealth and greed are sinful and corrupting influences that lead people away from spiritual enlightenment and moral righteousness. He warns against the dangers of greed and urges the congregation to seek salvation through humility and piety. 6. What might lead Kino and his brother to believe this? What might lead them to be suspicious of the priest’s sermon? Kino and his brother might believe the priest's sermon because it aligns with their own traditional beliefs and values. However, they might also be suspicious of the sermon because it serves the interests of the colonial authorities and reinforces the social order that oppresses them. 7. How does Steinbeck show us that despite what he says, the pearl buyer is impressed by the size and beauty of the pearl? Steinbeck shows us that despite what he says, the pearl buyer is impressed by the size and beauty of the pearl by describing the buyer's subtle reactions and body language. He observes the buyer's eyes widen and his hands tremble slightly when he sees the pearl, indicating his genuine admiration and desire for it. 8. How does the pearl buyer devalue the pearl? The pearl buyer devalues the pearl by pointing out its flaws and imperfections, such as its slight blemishes and irregular shape. He emphasizes these flaws to justify offering a lower price for the pearl and to undermine Kino's confidence in its value. 9. What further strategy does the buyer use to try to convince Kino that the pearl has little value? Kino's brother is afraid for him because he knows the dangers and risks associated with challenging the established order and seeking justice against those in power. He worries that Kino's actions will bring trouble and harm to their family. 10. How is the village divided on Kino’s actions with the pearl buyer? The village is divided on Kino's actions with the pearl buyer, with some supporting his efforts to get a fair price for the pearl and others cautioning him against defying the authorities and risking their wrath. 11. On page 52 it says, “(Kino) had lost one world and had not gained another.” What world did he lose? When it says, "(Kino) had lost one world and had not gained another," it means that Kino has lost his innocence and naivety about the world and the people in it. He has realized that the pursuit of wealth and material gain comes with its own set of dangers and consequences, and he has yet to find a new sense of purpose or direction in life. 12. Why does it take much courage for Kino to make the decision to go to the city? It takes much courage for Kino to make the decision to go to the city because he knows that he will be entering a hostile and dangerous environment where he will face opposition and resistance from those in power. He also risks losing everything he holds dear, including his family and his way of life. 13. Why is Kino’s brother afraid for him? Kino's brother, Juan Tomas, makes an insightful comment about their friends by observing that they are not truly friends but rather opportunists who are only interested in benefiting from Kino's newfound wealth. 14. Kino’s brother, Juan Tomas, is older and wiser. What insightful comment does he make about their friends? (page 53) When Juana again says they should get rid of the pearl because it brings evil, Kino responds by saying, "This pearl is our one chance." His answer implies that he sees the pearl as their only opportunity to escape poverty and oppression and to secure a better future for themselves and their son. 15. What does Kino say this time when Juana again says they should get rid of the pearl because it brings evil? What is implied in his answer? At this point, it's difficult to determine whether Kino is right or just being stubborn and willful. His decision to keep the pearl could be seen as both courageous and foolish, depending on one's perspective. 16. At this point do you think Kino is right or is he just being stupid and willful? The plans they make for the next day involve selling the pearl in the city and using the money to improve their lives and secure a better future for their family. 17. What plans do they make for the next day? The plans they make for the next day involve selling the pearl in the city. They intend to travel to the city to find a pearl buyer who will offer them a fair price for their valuable discovery. With the proceeds from selling the pearl, they hope to improve their lives and secure a better future for their family.