1. Ramon states that the day the pearl was returned to the Madonna, not the day he found the treasure, marked the "beginning of his manhood." What has he learned that makes him feel this way?

2. Considering that an entire fleet of pearlers has been destroyed by the storm at Punta Maldonado, how do you explain the attitude of resignation the villagers of La Paz show toward the disaster?

3. Why does Ramon suddenly decide to join the Sevillano in killing the Manta Diablo? In what way does the Sevillano influence Ramon's decisions and actions throughout the novel?

4. At first, Ramon believes that the Manta Diablo is simply a fictitious creature invented by parents to frighten children. Later he becomes a believer.

What does the change reveal about him?

5. Why does Ramon's father refuse to bargain over the Pearl of Heaven? Why does he reject a...