Morgan Hunt
English 9
December 23, 2007
Mr. Edson
Final Essay- Prompt 2
In the novel The Pearl, John Steinbeck displays many examples for how people struggle against compelling forces or barriers, and how these battles have a significant effect on the people. In this novel, Kino is one of the characters that certainly deals with many struggles. He is a husband, a father, a brother, and nothing but a poor man. In the beginning, he appears to be fine with being poor because his people have learned to enjoy the simple things in life and he is perfectly happy living in his hut and eating corn cakes for breakfast. Despite their family’s wholeness, and their comfort, a scorpion bite of their baby triggers their struggle. When Kino finds the most amazing pearl only thoughts of the future can fill his mind; thoughts of clothes, marriage, and Coyotito being able to read. Nonetheless, these wonderful aspiring thoughts were the same thoughts that brought desire and avarice into the picture. It was that longing, prolific hope of Kino and those materialistic cravings that destroyed him and his family.
When Coyotito was stung by the scorpion it started the beginning of the long line of struggles that Kino must deal with. “Down the rope that hung the baby’s box from the roof support a scorpion moved slowly… The thorned tail jerked upright. And at the moment the laughing Coyotito shook the rope and the scorpion fell” (Steinbeck p. 4-5) Coyotito is Kino and Juana’s baby, he was their first son. The scorpion bite could easily bestow death to a baby, so this bite was a very serious matter. Juana tried her best to suck out the scorpion’s poison but, she wanted to take Coyotito to the doctor; a quite astonishing thing to do because the doctor was higher in society, he “was of a race which for nearly four hundred years had beaten and starved and robbed and despised Kino’s race…” (Steinbeck p.9) However, they still brought Coyotito to the doctor, but they were refused admittance and the doctor’s help. Kino did not have enough money to pay for the cure, and the doctor was too greedy to be generous enough to accept their “eight small misshapen seed pearls…” (Steinbeck p.11). This became a major burden to both Kino and Juana, because they were in fear of losing their first born.
Kino and Juana took their canoe, and Kino went diving for oysters in the hope of finding a pearl. “And in the canoe above him, Kino knew that Juana was making the magic of prayer… to tear the luck out of god’s hands, for she needed the luck for the swollen shoulder of Coyotito.” (Steinbeck p. 17) Not only did Kino find a pearl, he found a beautiful pearl “It was as large as a sea-gulls egg… its curve was perfect.” (Steinbeck p.19) However, by this time, Coyotito’s swelling has gone down, proving that Juana sucked enough of the poison out. Now, with the great pearl, Kino saw dreams form.
Kino spoke of Juana and him being married in a church, them both wearing knew clothes, and his mind was on a rampage of wild dreams as he thought of a rifle, and then most of all, Coyotito going to school. Once Kino had spoken of such things he was afraid of his own words, if he did not do the right things with the pearl he could be looked upon as foolish. Others too saw dreams form, and once they were told about the pearl, somehow it worked its way into their own plans and they thought about the wonderful things they could do with such a pearl. Once the doctor discovered that it was Kino that had found an amazing pearl, he made his way over to their hut, claiming that he was not home when they had stopped by earlier in need of his help. Although Kino and Juana thought they were sure that Coyotito was alright, they did not know for sure, and they couldn’t risk it. So, the doctor ‘saved’ the baby, when in reality all he did was make the baby sick, and then better again. The doctor cheated Kino, but Kino and his people were not smart enough to prove it because they were not doctors themselves.
Once again, Kino was cheated. When he went to the pearl buyers, they were all trying to tell him that it was worth nothing. “There is no market for such things. It is a curiosity only. (Steinbeck p.49) said the first appraiser. “I will make no offer at all. I do not want it. This is not a pearl – it is a monstrosity.” (Steinbeck p.51) said another appraiser. This only set Kino into an outrage, because he knew the pearl was worth a great deal, and he knew that he was being cheated. “My pearl is not for sale here, I will go, perhaps even to the capital.” (Steinbeck p.52) claimed Kino. Kino was not going to let the pearl go for an unfair deal. To Kino, the pearl meant a better future, and Kino was not going to have some appraiser tell him that the pearl was not worth much. The pearl only brought upon voracity, and people began to search around Kino’s hut while Kino and Juana were sleeping. This awakened Kino in the night, and pushed him to investigate who what out there. In doing so, he was struck on several occasions and by the time he got up after the blow, whoever was there had scurried away. This caused Juana to want to get rid of the pearl because she saw how it was ruining them; she saw their safety and sanity to be more important than the dreams Kino held quite tightly.
One night, when Juana was trying to throw the pearl back into the sea, Kino caught her. “He struck her in the face with his clenched fist and she fell among the boulders…” (Steinbeck p. 59) as he walked back up to the beach, a dark figure met him in hopes of getting the pearl. Kino eventually killed him, even though he was wounded himself. With this murder under Kino’s blame, they knew that they needed to leave because someone would come for them in the morning. Their hut was burned, for people were looking for the pearl and wrecked it in the process. On top of that, someone has put a great hole in the canoe, so they could not escape to the water. They went into hiding in Juan Tomas’s hut, and waited until the next nightfall to make their way to the mountains. It was the only safe thing for them to do, and Kino did not want to risk any of his family’s safety. However, trackers had made their way the next day and surprisingly passed right by the place where they went into the brush. Kino knew that eventually the trackers would find them, and decided that zigzagging up the mountain was the only hope they had in losing the trackers. The safety of his family was very important to him, but when he insisted on Juana hiding she refused. “He looked then for weakness in her face, for fear or irresolution, and there was none.” (Steinbeck p.78) Kino came up with a plan on how to kill the trackers, and Kino, Juana, and Coyotito hid in the cave in the mountain side. In Kino attempts to kill the trackers, one too many was killed; Coyotito. Their only son, the one whose future was placed on the pearl, the main reason Kino went through with everything, was killed.
All of these struggles greatly effected Kino. Once he had the pearl, his ambitions grew and grew, and his old, simplistic ways were fading. His dreams of the future became everything he strived for; they became too much of a want than a need. His family was fine living the way they were before the pearl; in fact they were probably better off. Yet Kino wanted the pearl’s fortune for his son’s future. He let the pearl destroy more things than it could fix. The pearl that has first intentions of curing his son’s scorpion bite became the exact thing that led to his son’s death. He has committed murder because of the pearl, and his hut, his canoe, and his family are left with many missing pieces. Although all these bad things were brought upon by the pearl, one good thing did come from it. He realized how much he & Juana were equal. He realized that she was the wise one in the begging, and they he should have gotten rid of the pearl. They both dealt with the same grief, and loss. She stayed by his side through it all, and tried to get him to do with right things. He now saw her importance just as much as he as he saw his; he now saw her for what she truly was.
31.12.07
outline
Outline
¶ 1 - Kino (character that struggles) .. husband .. father how he struggles.. how he tries to do what is best.. how the pearl also effects his thoughts for greed &wealth. but better for coyotito.
¶ 2 - what to do for the baby's future/ poor man needing wealthy mans help.
( how he needs the doctors help but he doesnt have any money for it .. he feels guilty. how he finds the pearl & wants it for the coyotito's future however afterward he is worried about his own words.)
¶ 3 -not losing the pearl for less than its worth
( the pearl buyers trying to scam him, and tell him the pearl is worth much less. then deciding to go to the capital; scary place for he will know no one. How his people will not know for sure a fair price for none of them have ever gotten a pearl of such value. & then the robers trying to get the pearl )
¶ 4 - the family's safety
( what happens when he kills someone. & they hide in Juan Tomas's hut .. & then leave to the mountains.. & then make their trail the way they do ... & hide in the brush .. & then see the people... & zigzag their path .. he tries to make juana stay somewhere safe however she wants to come .. & then he tries to kill them & make it all good however .. Coyotito is shot :'( . )
¶ 5 - how it effects him
( well he changes from such a simple man/ living style to wanting to so much because of his richness.. instead of just paying for the doctors fee & what not .. he lets the pearl destroy him & his family .. in result his son dies.. Kino has committed murder.. & many people in the village think very differently of him now.. however, the one positive thing that has come out of it is that he has realized how equal juana is compared to himself.. & then they were both just as strong.. just in different aspects.. )
¶ 1 - Kino (character that struggles) .. husband .. father how he struggles.. how he tries to do what is best.. how the pearl also effects his thoughts for greed &wealth. but better for coyotito.
¶ 2 - what to do for the baby's future/ poor man needing wealthy mans help.
( how he needs the doctors help but he doesnt have any money for it .. he feels guilty. how he finds the pearl & wants it for the coyotito's future however afterward he is worried about his own words.)
¶ 3 -not losing the pearl for less than its worth
( the pearl buyers trying to scam him, and tell him the pearl is worth much less. then deciding to go to the capital; scary place for he will know no one. How his people will not know for sure a fair price for none of them have ever gotten a pearl of such value. & then the robers trying to get the pearl )
¶ 4 - the family's safety
( what happens when he kills someone. & they hide in Juan Tomas's hut .. & then leave to the mountains.. & then make their trail the way they do ... & hide in the brush .. & then see the people... & zigzag their path .. he tries to make juana stay somewhere safe however she wants to come .. & then he tries to kill them & make it all good however .. Coyotito is shot :'( . )
¶ 5 - how it effects him
( well he changes from such a simple man/ living style to wanting to so much because of his richness.. instead of just paying for the doctors fee & what not .. he lets the pearl destroy him & his family .. in result his son dies.. Kino has committed murder.. & many people in the village think very differently of him now.. however, the one positive thing that has come out of it is that he has realized how equal juana is compared to himself.. & then they were both just as strong.. just in different aspects.. )
17.12.07
Chapter 5+6
Morgan Hunt
English 9
Mr.Edson
December 17, 07
Chapters 5 & 6
1. In the fifth and sixth chapters of The Pearl, Steinbeck writes about the attack of Kino for the pearl, and how Juana and Kino have to escape their village. In both chapters, so much happens at once. The fifth chapter should be titled "The Rush" because everything goes wrong at once. First, Juana attempts to get rid of the pearl herself, but she is caught and hit. Next, Kino "heard the rush, got his knife out and lunged at one dark figure..." (Steinbeck 59) Before you know it, Kino as killed a man and their house is burning down. Kino also soon figures out that there has been a hole knocked out of the bottom of the canoe. Now that Kino had killed a man, they must leave the village because people would be searching for them. The rest of the village thinks of them as dead, for this house is ablaze yet Kino and Juana are not seen. The hide out in Juan Tomas's house until it is safe for them to go. Chapter six should be titled "The Escape" because it is the chapter in which Juana and Kino escape the village at night and head north. They travel on foot, and are grateful that the wind will erase most of their footprints incase someone is in the search of them. Sure enough, someone is looking for them; the trackers. This means that Kino and Juana must now make their way winding along, and hopefully lose them in the mountains. However, this only brings trouble. Kino's plan would have worked perfectly, but sadly one more died than planned; Coyotito.
2. In these two chapters Juana proves how strong she is and her understanding on things. When she was trying to get rid of the pearl, like she was all a long, Kino caught her. Not only did he find her in the middle of her plan, but he struck her in the face and kicked her in the side. Even though this happened, she "stared at him with wide unfrightened eyes... she knew there was murder in him, and it was all right; she had accepted it..." (Steinbeck 59). When Kino had said "I am a Man" (Steinbeck 57), it meant to Juana that he was half god and half insane, but she was ok with it. She knew that he would try the impossible, that’s why made him a man, and a man is what she needed. Juana is also strong, and has a will power. When Kino mentioned about hiding her in the mountains, because it would be safer Juana refused. Juana argued that she will go with Kino and Kino tried to tell her no. "He looked then for weakness in her face, for fear or irresolution, and there was none. Her eyes were very bright....but he had taken strength from her." This whole time Juana had dealt with the problems the pearl had brought, and she knew that it was evil. She knew that they should have gotten rid of it because of the evil it has brought upon them. Honestly, even though the tradition of a husband being higher than a wife, they are equal. This is proven when they walk into the village, walking side by side. Juana is just a strong as Kino and they have both dealt with the loss of their first son.
3. Kino and Juana's escape, in my opinion, could be used as a symbol of the things the pearl has brought them. They first start out, walking at night, not being followed by anything but playing it safe. This is like how they are with Coyotito and his scorpion bite, because even though Juana sucked most of the poison out, and he seems as thought he is healing, they still have the doctor treat him just in case. However, Kino spots the trackers that are looking for them, and think of a plan. This is almost like his plan to go to the capital, because he is not very sure how the outcome will be and if it will be successful. On his way, he zigzags up the mountain, gaining time ahead of the trackers and time to think of their next move. This is like how they were with trying to get away from the intruders and obstacles that the pearl brought because they have to go in complicated directions just to get a certain outcome. Kino and Juana hide out in the caves (like they did in Juan Tomas and Apolonia's hut) they just wait for the trackers. Kino has a plan, he "must go before moonrise" (Steinbeck 83) and get the tracker with the rifle, and kill the others. However, this is not a simple task. "Kino edged like a slow lizard down the smooth rock shoulder... His spread fingers gripped the mountain... any sound that was not germane to the night would make them alert..." (Steinbeck 84). All these ways that Kino and Juana goes about things really show what is important to them. To Kino, the pearl was very important because it meant so much for his future. To Juana, staying with her family was important. She could have stayed back in the village, and hoped for Kino's return, but she didn’t; she went with him.
4. In this part of the book, it reminds me about playing hide-and-go-seek with all of my neighborhood friends. When we played neighborhood games, we got very intense, we were serious with the rules and we took pride in how we played. We each had our certain skills when it came to hide-and-go-seek, such as how Kino and Juana zigzagged along and choosing places that would show less signs trespass. We would always make it sound and look like we went one way, but we should switch out direction. When we played in the neighborhood, we had so many spots and places to hide; that’s what made it fun and kept it interesting. One time, Brittany and I went to the end of our street and made obvious signs of our tracks. Then, silently we sneaked pass houses until we were at the other half and we hid up in a low tree. No one thought to look there, and no one found us, until we decided to jump down because it was taking them too long. Kino and Juana made their long way up into the clefts, hid there and stayed. Kino waited for the opportune moment to leave. However, in our case we left our spot due tiresomeness of waiting. We always tried our best to hide in the shadows, and move along the ground. It was one of our favorite games, and we basically had no limits to how far we would take our ideas of creativity. One day Emily and I hid in the back of our neighbors trucks because we didn’t have enough time to think of somewhere else to hide. In Kino's sake hiding wasn’t so much a game as it was a way of survival from the trackers.
5. My overall thoughts about the reading is just how great fortunes can ruin people, and their lives. Kino, Juana, and Coyotito were living their life fine without the pearl, and once it came in it only gave ambitions that were never meant to be and people ready to attack for its value. People were searching around Kino and Juana's hut in the night just in hopes to dig up the pearl. People burned his house, and physically attacked Kino. Everyone knew that the pearl was worth so much, but it gave the pearl buyers such an ego that they figured they could cheat Kino. The pearl had become everything Kino hoped for, instead of just a blessing that could cure Coyotito. However, the same pearl that was going to save Coyotito technically killed him as well. I am predicting that Kino and Juana will go back and build up another hut, mourn for some time, and then hopefully have another child. Coyotito was their first, but they are a young couple so I doubt that they will just go on without having another baby in their lives.
6.
irresolution- lack of decision or purpose
intercession- a prayer to a God on behalf of another
malignant- very dangerous or harmful
petulant- easily irritated or annoyed
resinous- an aroma of incense, cedar, pine, camphor or a sticky sap
English 9
Mr.Edson
December 17, 07
Chapters 5 & 6
1. In the fifth and sixth chapters of The Pearl, Steinbeck writes about the attack of Kino for the pearl, and how Juana and Kino have to escape their village. In both chapters, so much happens at once. The fifth chapter should be titled "The Rush" because everything goes wrong at once. First, Juana attempts to get rid of the pearl herself, but she is caught and hit. Next, Kino "heard the rush, got his knife out and lunged at one dark figure..." (Steinbeck 59) Before you know it, Kino as killed a man and their house is burning down. Kino also soon figures out that there has been a hole knocked out of the bottom of the canoe. Now that Kino had killed a man, they must leave the village because people would be searching for them. The rest of the village thinks of them as dead, for this house is ablaze yet Kino and Juana are not seen. The hide out in Juan Tomas's house until it is safe for them to go. Chapter six should be titled "The Escape" because it is the chapter in which Juana and Kino escape the village at night and head north. They travel on foot, and are grateful that the wind will erase most of their footprints incase someone is in the search of them. Sure enough, someone is looking for them; the trackers. This means that Kino and Juana must now make their way winding along, and hopefully lose them in the mountains. However, this only brings trouble. Kino's plan would have worked perfectly, but sadly one more died than planned; Coyotito.
2. In these two chapters Juana proves how strong she is and her understanding on things. When she was trying to get rid of the pearl, like she was all a long, Kino caught her. Not only did he find her in the middle of her plan, but he struck her in the face and kicked her in the side. Even though this happened, she "stared at him with wide unfrightened eyes... she knew there was murder in him, and it was all right; she had accepted it..." (Steinbeck 59). When Kino had said "I am a Man" (Steinbeck 57), it meant to Juana that he was half god and half insane, but she was ok with it. She knew that he would try the impossible, that’s why made him a man, and a man is what she needed. Juana is also strong, and has a will power. When Kino mentioned about hiding her in the mountains, because it would be safer Juana refused. Juana argued that she will go with Kino and Kino tried to tell her no. "He looked then for weakness in her face, for fear or irresolution, and there was none. Her eyes were very bright....but he had taken strength from her." This whole time Juana had dealt with the problems the pearl had brought, and she knew that it was evil. She knew that they should have gotten rid of it because of the evil it has brought upon them. Honestly, even though the tradition of a husband being higher than a wife, they are equal. This is proven when they walk into the village, walking side by side. Juana is just a strong as Kino and they have both dealt with the loss of their first son.
3. Kino and Juana's escape, in my opinion, could be used as a symbol of the things the pearl has brought them. They first start out, walking at night, not being followed by anything but playing it safe. This is like how they are with Coyotito and his scorpion bite, because even though Juana sucked most of the poison out, and he seems as thought he is healing, they still have the doctor treat him just in case. However, Kino spots the trackers that are looking for them, and think of a plan. This is almost like his plan to go to the capital, because he is not very sure how the outcome will be and if it will be successful. On his way, he zigzags up the mountain, gaining time ahead of the trackers and time to think of their next move. This is like how they were with trying to get away from the intruders and obstacles that the pearl brought because they have to go in complicated directions just to get a certain outcome. Kino and Juana hide out in the caves (like they did in Juan Tomas and Apolonia's hut) they just wait for the trackers. Kino has a plan, he "must go before moonrise" (Steinbeck 83) and get the tracker with the rifle, and kill the others. However, this is not a simple task. "Kino edged like a slow lizard down the smooth rock shoulder... His spread fingers gripped the mountain... any sound that was not germane to the night would make them alert..." (Steinbeck 84). All these ways that Kino and Juana goes about things really show what is important to them. To Kino, the pearl was very important because it meant so much for his future. To Juana, staying with her family was important. She could have stayed back in the village, and hoped for Kino's return, but she didn’t; she went with him.
4. In this part of the book, it reminds me about playing hide-and-go-seek with all of my neighborhood friends. When we played neighborhood games, we got very intense, we were serious with the rules and we took pride in how we played. We each had our certain skills when it came to hide-and-go-seek, such as how Kino and Juana zigzagged along and choosing places that would show less signs trespass. We would always make it sound and look like we went one way, but we should switch out direction. When we played in the neighborhood, we had so many spots and places to hide; that’s what made it fun and kept it interesting. One time, Brittany and I went to the end of our street and made obvious signs of our tracks. Then, silently we sneaked pass houses until we were at the other half and we hid up in a low tree. No one thought to look there, and no one found us, until we decided to jump down because it was taking them too long. Kino and Juana made their long way up into the clefts, hid there and stayed. Kino waited for the opportune moment to leave. However, in our case we left our spot due tiresomeness of waiting. We always tried our best to hide in the shadows, and move along the ground. It was one of our favorite games, and we basically had no limits to how far we would take our ideas of creativity. One day Emily and I hid in the back of our neighbors trucks because we didn’t have enough time to think of somewhere else to hide. In Kino's sake hiding wasn’t so much a game as it was a way of survival from the trackers.
5. My overall thoughts about the reading is just how great fortunes can ruin people, and their lives. Kino, Juana, and Coyotito were living their life fine without the pearl, and once it came in it only gave ambitions that were never meant to be and people ready to attack for its value. People were searching around Kino and Juana's hut in the night just in hopes to dig up the pearl. People burned his house, and physically attacked Kino. Everyone knew that the pearl was worth so much, but it gave the pearl buyers such an ego that they figured they could cheat Kino. The pearl had become everything Kino hoped for, instead of just a blessing that could cure Coyotito. However, the same pearl that was going to save Coyotito technically killed him as well. I am predicting that Kino and Juana will go back and build up another hut, mourn for some time, and then hopefully have another child. Coyotito was their first, but they are a young couple so I doubt that they will just go on without having another baby in their lives.
6.
irresolution- lack of decision or purpose
intercession- a prayer to a God on behalf of another
malignant- very dangerous or harmful
petulant- easily irritated or annoyed
resinous- an aroma of incense, cedar, pine, camphor or a sticky sap
15.12.07
Reading Log Chapters 3&4
Morgan Hunt
English 9
Mr.Edson
December 14, 2007
1. In the third and fourth chapters of The Pearl, John Steinbeck writes about the beginning of the Kino and Juana's downfall. He writes about Kino's goals and how they may backfire on him, the doctors 'cure', selling the pearl, and several violent mischievous occurrences in the night. Chapter three should be titled 'The Dreams, the Doctor, and the Dark' because those are the three major things in this chapter. Kino talks about his dreams for the future that the pearl carries. The Doctor pays a visit, now willing to cure Coyotito, even though his plans are deceiving. The chapter has to do with the dark because in the dark, evil creeps for the sake of the pearl, which makes Juana want to get rid of the pearl. Chapter four should be titled 'Low Bids, High Prices' because this is the chapter in which Kino tries to sell the pearl. When he gets to his first dealer, with just about everyone in town following him, Kino is disappointed. The pearl buyers tells him the pearl that was to bring him great fortune, is not worth too much. This is because it is so big that it is more of a curiosity than something for jewelry. This angers Kino, for he knows he is being cheated. However, the way he goes about it may give set some high consequences. Even his brother Juan Tomas thinks so by saying "... I am afraid for you..." (Steinbeck 54)
2. The characters that were now introduced into the book were the pearl buyers. They played a big role in Kino's lack of success, because it was them that stood in the way. They knew how Kino was inferior when it came to pearl prices and they figured he would be easy to fool. Even though he was misled, he knew what they were doing. A pearl buyer first offered him one thousand peso's. This angered Kino, for he knew that his great, extraordinary pearl was worth much more than that. Then, the pearl buyer got the other appraisers, and they put their efforts into manipulating Kino. They said such things as "Better pearls are made of paste" (Steinbeck 51). Kino was so vexed and enraged that he took his pearl, and said "My pearl is not for sale here. I will go, perhaps even to the capital." (Steinbeck52) At this point, the pear buyers knew that they had gone too far, and played their game too hard. They had failed at doing their job, for they had an ornate opportunity to buy a great pearl and they ruined it. These pearly buyers show how much the Indians are thought of in their awareness, and how taking advantage of people can ruin a good thing. However, it also shows that Kino truly cares about his plans for the future, because turning down a thousand pesos when you have nothing shows that it wasn’t good enough if it wasn't going to enable his aspirations to become reality. He is standing buy what he wants, and what he believes in, even if it names him crazy in the eyes of others.3. One thing that happens in these two chapters that is important yet alarming are the people in the night lingering around Kino and Juana's hut. On several occasions Kino is brought outside by the Song of Evil for something is about in the air. He senses that something is wrong, and is right about it. Someone was outside their hut, digging the ground, searching for the pearl. When Kino goes to investigate, he gets struck. "Juana heard the little rush, the grunting struggle, the blow...Kino lay on the ground, struggling to rise..." (Steinbeck 56). By the time he recovers and is ok, whatever was out there is gone. This worries Juana, and makes her want to get rid of the pearl even more. Juana says “Kino, the pearl is pure evil. Let us destroy it before it destroys us..." (Steinbeck 56). The pearl is becoming a great burden on the family, a burden of evil. This is strong foreshadowing that the pearl is not longer a good thing, and if it is that with its beauty comes battle. The pearl seems to be more of a hassle than an advantage to the family, and so far they have only gained desires that may never be; comfort that only agonizes.4. Reading these chapters, makes me think about how greedy people can be, and how they can underestimate others, such as the pearl buyers. When it comes to underestimating, I always think about that time in tae kwon doe class when I proved everyone wrong. Me being a white belt, a beginner, an amateur who had only been in the class for under a month, they all underestimated my skills. We all lined up by rank, which meant a small handful of kids and I would be at the end. As our master held up the board, we had one chance, one opportunity to kick it, and hopefully break the board he held between his hands. As the kids when through trying their best yet not succeeding, no one thought that a white belt could do it if a blue belt couldn’t. It was my turn, I went up, nervous. I kick it, and hear the crack as it breaks in half. Everyone was surprised; no one thought I had it in me. No one knew Kino would back down from the pearl buyers deal, especially the pearl buyers. They knew about his lack of knowledge on the pearls and prices, but he knew that they were going to try to cheat him. He tired his best not to fall for it, and he succeeded.5. Overall, these chapters just showed me what direction Kino and Juana are going in. So far, it is not looking so good. Maybe it doesn’t seem so bad to them, but I know it is going to get worse before it gets better. By the way that there are people searching for the pearl now, it is probably only going to get worse. People want the pearl, and it doesn’t matter to them how they get it. I am sure that there are even people in that town that wouldn’t even have to give a second thought about killing Kino for the pearl. Juana already wants to destroy the pearl, and if things get worse that want for it gone is only going to grow. I can already predict that she is going to try to get rid of it, or they are going to get rid of it, but it may have done too much damage by that time.6.Benediction- A blessingCountenanced-Encouragement or approvalDisparagement- To speak of or treat slightinglyLegerdemain- Any artful trickPatron- A client or customer
English 9
Mr.Edson
December 14, 2007
1. In the third and fourth chapters of The Pearl, John Steinbeck writes about the beginning of the Kino and Juana's downfall. He writes about Kino's goals and how they may backfire on him, the doctors 'cure', selling the pearl, and several violent mischievous occurrences in the night. Chapter three should be titled 'The Dreams, the Doctor, and the Dark' because those are the three major things in this chapter. Kino talks about his dreams for the future that the pearl carries. The Doctor pays a visit, now willing to cure Coyotito, even though his plans are deceiving. The chapter has to do with the dark because in the dark, evil creeps for the sake of the pearl, which makes Juana want to get rid of the pearl. Chapter four should be titled 'Low Bids, High Prices' because this is the chapter in which Kino tries to sell the pearl. When he gets to his first dealer, with just about everyone in town following him, Kino is disappointed. The pearl buyers tells him the pearl that was to bring him great fortune, is not worth too much. This is because it is so big that it is more of a curiosity than something for jewelry. This angers Kino, for he knows he is being cheated. However, the way he goes about it may give set some high consequences. Even his brother Juan Tomas thinks so by saying "... I am afraid for you..." (Steinbeck 54)
2. The characters that were now introduced into the book were the pearl buyers. They played a big role in Kino's lack of success, because it was them that stood in the way. They knew how Kino was inferior when it came to pearl prices and they figured he would be easy to fool. Even though he was misled, he knew what they were doing. A pearl buyer first offered him one thousand peso's. This angered Kino, for he knew that his great, extraordinary pearl was worth much more than that. Then, the pearl buyer got the other appraisers, and they put their efforts into manipulating Kino. They said such things as "Better pearls are made of paste" (Steinbeck 51). Kino was so vexed and enraged that he took his pearl, and said "My pearl is not for sale here. I will go, perhaps even to the capital." (Steinbeck52) At this point, the pear buyers knew that they had gone too far, and played their game too hard. They had failed at doing their job, for they had an ornate opportunity to buy a great pearl and they ruined it. These pearly buyers show how much the Indians are thought of in their awareness, and how taking advantage of people can ruin a good thing. However, it also shows that Kino truly cares about his plans for the future, because turning down a thousand pesos when you have nothing shows that it wasn’t good enough if it wasn't going to enable his aspirations to become reality. He is standing buy what he wants, and what he believes in, even if it names him crazy in the eyes of others.3. One thing that happens in these two chapters that is important yet alarming are the people in the night lingering around Kino and Juana's hut. On several occasions Kino is brought outside by the Song of Evil for something is about in the air. He senses that something is wrong, and is right about it. Someone was outside their hut, digging the ground, searching for the pearl. When Kino goes to investigate, he gets struck. "Juana heard the little rush, the grunting struggle, the blow...Kino lay on the ground, struggling to rise..." (Steinbeck 56). By the time he recovers and is ok, whatever was out there is gone. This worries Juana, and makes her want to get rid of the pearl even more. Juana says “Kino, the pearl is pure evil. Let us destroy it before it destroys us..." (Steinbeck 56). The pearl is becoming a great burden on the family, a burden of evil. This is strong foreshadowing that the pearl is not longer a good thing, and if it is that with its beauty comes battle. The pearl seems to be more of a hassle than an advantage to the family, and so far they have only gained desires that may never be; comfort that only agonizes.4. Reading these chapters, makes me think about how greedy people can be, and how they can underestimate others, such as the pearl buyers. When it comes to underestimating, I always think about that time in tae kwon doe class when I proved everyone wrong. Me being a white belt, a beginner, an amateur who had only been in the class for under a month, they all underestimated my skills. We all lined up by rank, which meant a small handful of kids and I would be at the end. As our master held up the board, we had one chance, one opportunity to kick it, and hopefully break the board he held between his hands. As the kids when through trying their best yet not succeeding, no one thought that a white belt could do it if a blue belt couldn’t. It was my turn, I went up, nervous. I kick it, and hear the crack as it breaks in half. Everyone was surprised; no one thought I had it in me. No one knew Kino would back down from the pearl buyers deal, especially the pearl buyers. They knew about his lack of knowledge on the pearls and prices, but he knew that they were going to try to cheat him. He tired his best not to fall for it, and he succeeded.5. Overall, these chapters just showed me what direction Kino and Juana are going in. So far, it is not looking so good. Maybe it doesn’t seem so bad to them, but I know it is going to get worse before it gets better. By the way that there are people searching for the pearl now, it is probably only going to get worse. People want the pearl, and it doesn’t matter to them how they get it. I am sure that there are even people in that town that wouldn’t even have to give a second thought about killing Kino for the pearl. Juana already wants to destroy the pearl, and if things get worse that want for it gone is only going to grow. I can already predict that she is going to try to get rid of it, or they are going to get rid of it, but it may have done too much damage by that time.6.Benediction- A blessingCountenanced-Encouragement or approvalDisparagement- To speak of or treat slightinglyLegerdemain- Any artful trickPatron- A client or customer
8.12.07
reading log chapter 1 & 2
Morgan Hunt
English 9
Reading Log
Chapters 1 and 2
December 8, 2007
1. In the first two chapters of The Pearl, John Steinbeck introduced the reader to the three main characters; Kino, Juana, and Coyotito. They are an Indian family, living in a small village of huts on the Gulf of Mexico. The first chapter should be titled 'The Song of Evil' because it gives the reader an idea that something bad is going to happen without giving anything away. The Song of Evil was brought forward when Kino saw the scorpion near Coyotito's hanging basket. Even though Kino tried his best to save Coyotito from the poisonous, stinging tail of the scorpion, his attempt was thwarted. Coyotito’s scorpion sting is one of the first, main conflicts in the story because it threatens Coyotito’s life. The doctor in town that Juana and Kino bring Coyotito to for treatment refuses their small, worthless pearls. In chapter two, Kino, Juan, and Coyotito go out on the canoe in hopes to find a pearl to pay for Coyotito's doctor visit. The chapter should be titled 'The Dive of Good Fortune' because one of the oysters that Kino brings up from sea holds a pearl. Not just any pearl, but a pearl as large as a sea-gull's egg; the pearl that could save Coyotito's life.
2. One character that is introduced in the book that has to do with a conflict is the Doctor. The reader is first informed about him by what the town’s people know. "They knew his ignorance, his cruelty, his avarice, his appetites, his sins. They knew his clumsy abortions..." (Steinbeck 9) That little bit information tells a great deal about the Doctor even before we meet him. It is also said that he is a "fat, lazy doctor"(Steinbeck 9). The Doctor is indeed greedy and spoiled; while Kino and Juana suffer for Coyotito the Doctor is dressed in a gown of "red watered silk that had come from Paris...On his lap was a silver tray with a silver chocolate pot..." ( Steinbeck 10). When the Doctor's servant tells him about the little Indian baby with the scorpion sting the Doctor replies saying "Have I nothing better to do then to cure insect bites for 'little Indians'? I am a doctor, not a veterinary."(Steinbeck 11) This remark shows how high he thinks of himself oppose to the Indians in whom he compares to animals, reminding the servant that he is not a veterinary. The Doctor declined the request, for the eight little pearls Kino has to offer because they do not satisfy his selfish need for wealth.
3. A symbol used quite often is Kino's songs. In the First chapter there was the Song of the Family. This song symbolizes comfort and tranquility as Kino listens to Juana making morning cakes, and "Juana sang softly an ancient song that had only three notes and yet endless variety of interval" (Steinbeck 3). The song is basically the noises of his family, of natures surroundings; a song that is familiar and welcoming to him. Another song that Kino has is the Song of Evil, "...the music of the enemy, of any foe of the family, a savage, secret, dangerous melody..." (Steinbeck 5). This song plays in Kino's mind as the scorpion makes its way down to Coyotito's basket. It is a song that occurs when Kino feels afraid, nervous, or when he worries that something bad will happen. The song that is shown in chapter 2 is the Song of The Pearl That Might Be. This is a song that plays in Kino, ".. a secret little inner song, hardly perceptible but always there..." (Steinbeck 17). This song is that little excitement about the fact that any one of the oysters Kino gets might, just maybe, has a pearl in it. The song is that little chance, the little hope of finding a pearl. The symbol of the songs might be important to the story because it allows the reader to predict when something is going to happen. The songs let the reader know when something bad might happen, and how Kino is feeling.
4. The reading makes me think about my Papa, and his pond and canoe. It makes me wonder about the things my Papa suffered with. In my mind, my Papa and Kino are very much alike, because Kino's people realize the important things in life and appreciate nature, just like my Papa. They are both very simple people. It reminds me about being little, and going out in the canoe with my Papa. We would slowly go around the ponds edge, picking wild blueberries so my grandma could make pancakes or muffins. Whenever I spent time with my Papa, we were always outdoors. We would go down to the pond, or take walks in the forest hoping maybe to lay eyes upon a deer. Sometimes we would work on their garden, or try to see how many types of birds we could see. Just the relation Kino and his people have with nature reminds me of my Papa.
5. Overall, these first two chapters let me understand what was going on in the story, and I felt as though I understood all the circumstances. Such as Kino's home life compared to the Doctors, and how important it is for Coyotito to live. I have a feeling that a fortune that the great pearl will give Kino and his family is not for the best. I think that maybe the fortune is too great and it will be for the worse. In the end the lesson will probably be something a long the lines of how money can ruin people.
6.
avarice- an excessive desire to gain wealth; to be greedy
bougainvillea- woody shrubs or vines, sometimes having vibrant purple or
red flowers
bulwark- a defense or protection
indigene- one that is native
English 9
Reading Log
Chapters 1 and 2
December 8, 2007
1. In the first two chapters of The Pearl, John Steinbeck introduced the reader to the three main characters; Kino, Juana, and Coyotito. They are an Indian family, living in a small village of huts on the Gulf of Mexico. The first chapter should be titled 'The Song of Evil' because it gives the reader an idea that something bad is going to happen without giving anything away. The Song of Evil was brought forward when Kino saw the scorpion near Coyotito's hanging basket. Even though Kino tried his best to save Coyotito from the poisonous, stinging tail of the scorpion, his attempt was thwarted. Coyotito’s scorpion sting is one of the first, main conflicts in the story because it threatens Coyotito’s life. The doctor in town that Juana and Kino bring Coyotito to for treatment refuses their small, worthless pearls. In chapter two, Kino, Juan, and Coyotito go out on the canoe in hopes to find a pearl to pay for Coyotito's doctor visit. The chapter should be titled 'The Dive of Good Fortune' because one of the oysters that Kino brings up from sea holds a pearl. Not just any pearl, but a pearl as large as a sea-gull's egg; the pearl that could save Coyotito's life.
2. One character that is introduced in the book that has to do with a conflict is the Doctor. The reader is first informed about him by what the town’s people know. "They knew his ignorance, his cruelty, his avarice, his appetites, his sins. They knew his clumsy abortions..." (Steinbeck 9) That little bit information tells a great deal about the Doctor even before we meet him. It is also said that he is a "fat, lazy doctor"(Steinbeck 9). The Doctor is indeed greedy and spoiled; while Kino and Juana suffer for Coyotito the Doctor is dressed in a gown of "red watered silk that had come from Paris...On his lap was a silver tray with a silver chocolate pot..." ( Steinbeck 10). When the Doctor's servant tells him about the little Indian baby with the scorpion sting the Doctor replies saying "Have I nothing better to do then to cure insect bites for 'little Indians'? I am a doctor, not a veterinary."(Steinbeck 11) This remark shows how high he thinks of himself oppose to the Indians in whom he compares to animals, reminding the servant that he is not a veterinary. The Doctor declined the request, for the eight little pearls Kino has to offer because they do not satisfy his selfish need for wealth.
3. A symbol used quite often is Kino's songs. In the First chapter there was the Song of the Family. This song symbolizes comfort and tranquility as Kino listens to Juana making morning cakes, and "Juana sang softly an ancient song that had only three notes and yet endless variety of interval" (Steinbeck 3). The song is basically the noises of his family, of natures surroundings; a song that is familiar and welcoming to him. Another song that Kino has is the Song of Evil, "...the music of the enemy, of any foe of the family, a savage, secret, dangerous melody..." (Steinbeck 5). This song plays in Kino's mind as the scorpion makes its way down to Coyotito's basket. It is a song that occurs when Kino feels afraid, nervous, or when he worries that something bad will happen. The song that is shown in chapter 2 is the Song of The Pearl That Might Be. This is a song that plays in Kino, ".. a secret little inner song, hardly perceptible but always there..." (Steinbeck 17). This song is that little excitement about the fact that any one of the oysters Kino gets might, just maybe, has a pearl in it. The song is that little chance, the little hope of finding a pearl. The symbol of the songs might be important to the story because it allows the reader to predict when something is going to happen. The songs let the reader know when something bad might happen, and how Kino is feeling.
4. The reading makes me think about my Papa, and his pond and canoe. It makes me wonder about the things my Papa suffered with. In my mind, my Papa and Kino are very much alike, because Kino's people realize the important things in life and appreciate nature, just like my Papa. They are both very simple people. It reminds me about being little, and going out in the canoe with my Papa. We would slowly go around the ponds edge, picking wild blueberries so my grandma could make pancakes or muffins. Whenever I spent time with my Papa, we were always outdoors. We would go down to the pond, or take walks in the forest hoping maybe to lay eyes upon a deer. Sometimes we would work on their garden, or try to see how many types of birds we could see. Just the relation Kino and his people have with nature reminds me of my Papa.
5. Overall, these first two chapters let me understand what was going on in the story, and I felt as though I understood all the circumstances. Such as Kino's home life compared to the Doctors, and how important it is for Coyotito to live. I have a feeling that a fortune that the great pearl will give Kino and his family is not for the best. I think that maybe the fortune is too great and it will be for the worse. In the end the lesson will probably be something a long the lines of how money can ruin people.
6.
avarice- an excessive desire to gain wealth; to be greedy
bougainvillea- woody shrubs or vines, sometimes having vibrant purple or
red flowers
bulwark- a defense or protection
indigene- one that is native
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