The Pearl :: essays research papers

The Pearl, which takes government agency in La Paz, Mexico, begins with a description of the seemingly idyllic family behavior of gum kino, his wife Juana and their infant son, Coyotito. Kino watches as Coyotito sleeps, yet sees a scorpion wince down the rope that holds the hanging box where Coyotito lies. Kino attempts to catch the scorpion, alone Coyotito bumps the rope and the scorpion falls on him. Although Kino kills the scorpion, it still stings Coyotito. Juana and Kino, accompanied by their neighbors, go to see the local have-to doe with, who refuses to treat Coyotito because Kino cannot pay. Kino and Juana relegate the doctors and take Coyotito down near the sea, where Juana uses a seaweed poultice on Coyotitos shoulder, which is outright swollen. Kino dives for oysters from his canoe, attempting to find dribs. He finds a very large oyster which, when Kino opens it, yields an immense pearl. Kino puts back his head and howls, causing the some other pearl divers to look up and race toward Kinos canoe. The news that Kino has found an immense pearl travels fast through La Paz. The doctor who refused to treat Coyotito decides to visit Kino. Kinos neighbors begin to feel bitter toward him for his good fortune, but neither Kino nor Juana realize this feeling they have engendered. Juan Tomas, the brother of Kino, asks him what he will do with his money, and he envisions getting married to Juana in a church and dressing Coyotito in a yachting cap and sailor suit. He claims that he will send Coyotito to school and buy a rifle for himself. The local priest visits and tells Kino to remember to give convey and to pray for guidance. The doctor also visits, and although Coyotito seems to be healing, the doctor insists that Coyotito still faces endangerment and treats him. Kino tells the doctor that he will pay him once he sells his pearl, and the doctor attempts to discern where the pearl is located (Kino has buried it in the turning point of his hut). That night, a thief attempts to break into Kinos hut, but Kino drives him away. Juana tells Kino that the pearl will destroy them, but Kino insists that the pearl is their one endangerment and that tomorrow they will sell it. Kinos neighbors wonder what they would do if they had found the pearl, and mention giving it as a present to the Pope, buying Masses for the souls of his family, and distributing it among the measly of La Paz.