Chapter 3: Nucleic Acids and Nucleotides - Structure and Function

Chapter 3 (pg. 21-39) 1. In the opening what is the town compared to? Why do you suppose he makes this comparison? Kino became "every man's enemy" in the sense that his discovery of the pearl brought jealousy, greed, and envy from others in the community. Suddenly, everyone saw Kino as a threat or rival because of his newfound wealth, and they became hostile towards him, viewing him as a competitor rather than a neighbor or friend. 2. How does the news of the pearl affect a) the priest, b) the shopkeepers, c) the doctor, and d) the beggars. The news of the pearl is compared to the poisonous sting of the scorpion in the sense that both events bring unexpected and potentially dangerous consequences. Just as the scorpion's sting initially seemed like a small nuisance but turned out to be life-threatening, the discovery of the pearl initially appears to bring good fortune but ultimately leads to conflict, betrayal, and tragedy. 3. In what sense (page 23) did Kino become “every man’s enemy”? Kino says he will marry Juana in a church and buy new clothes for himself and Coyotito once the pearl is sold. He also plans to provide Coyotito with an education so that he can have a better future. 4. How is the news of the pearl compared to the poisonous sting of the scorpion? It's suggested that the intruder, possibly someone from the doctor's household or associated with him, brings the "song of evil" into Kino's house. This could be because the doctor or his allies want to sabotage Kino's newfound fortune and maintain their control over the community. 5. What does Kino say he will do once the pearl is sold? Kino feels rage as the doctor approaches because he resents the doctor's arrogance, exploitation, and indifference towards Coyotito's well-being. He is angry that the doctor refuses to treat Coyotito when he is truly in need and instead demands payment for his services. 6. In the middle of page 27 Kino hears “the song of evil” faintly. Who do you think brings it in to Kino’s house? Give a reason for your answer. Kino feels trapped by his own ignorance because he lacks the knowledge and education to navigate the complexities of the world outside his village. He realizes that his ignorance makes him vulnerable to exploitation and manipulation by others, as seen in his interactions with the doctor and the pearl buyers. 7. As the doctor approaches, why is Kino feeling rage? It's likely that the doctor gives Coyotito a placebo or ineffective treatment to make it seem like he is providing medical care while avoiding any actual effort or expense on his part. 8. On page 30 how does Kino feel trapped by his own ignorance? The references to the fish and mice on page 32 suggest the predatory nature of human society, where the weak are often exploited or preyed upon by the strong. Just as the fish and mice are hunted by larger predators, Kino and his family are vulnerable to exploitation and harm by those who seek to take advantage of their newfound wealth. 9. What do you guess the doctor gives Coyotito? The doctor finds out where Kino has hidden the pearl by observing Coyotito's recovery and deducing that Kino must have found a valuable object, such as a pearl, to afford the treatment he provided. 10. What is suggested by the references to the fish and mice on page 32? After the intruder is driven off, Juana says of the pearl, "This pearl is evil. Let us destroy it before it destroys us." She believes that the pearl has brought nothing but trouble and misfortune to their family and fears that it will only lead to more suffering if they keep it. 11. How does the doctor find out where Kino has hidden the pearl? Kino cannot destroy the pearl because he is still drawn to its promise of wealth and security. Despite Juana's warnings and his own misgivings, he is unable to let go of the possibility of a better life that the pearl represents. 12. After the intruder is driven off, what does Juana say of the pearl? Why? Kino is afraid of making plans because he fears that doing so will invite misfortune and jinx their chances of success. He believes that announcing his intentions will attract envy and hostility from others, leading to conflict and potentially endangering his family. 13. Why can Kino not do this? Kino cannot destroy the pearl because he is deeply conflicted about its value and significance. Despite recognizing the potential danger and harm it may bring to his family, he is also tempted by the promise of wealth and security that the pearl represents. Additionally, the pearl has become intertwined with his hopes and dreams for a better future, making it difficult for him to let go of it easily. 14. Back on pages 28-29, why is Kino afraid of making plans? Kino is afraid of making plans because he believes that doing so will attract envy and hostility from others. He fears that announcing his intentions, such as selling the pearl and using the money to improve his family's life, will invite jealousy and resentment from his neighbors and the outside world. Kino is aware of the dangers of drawing attention to his newfound wealth in a society where greed and exploitation are prevalent, and he wants to protect his family from potential harm. Therefore, he prefers to keep his plans secret and act cautiously to avoid attracting unwanted attention.