1. Name some of the townspeople that are described as thinking about what the pearl could do for them when they hear about Kino's news. What are their specific objectives?

2. Why does Kino want Coyotito to go to school?

3. What are the two colors that make up the canoes that line the beach? What do you think these colors represent symbolically?

4. When does the Song of Evil first enter Kino's head? What does this song represent?

5. Why does Juana call for Kino when she sees Coyotito in Chapter 2?

6. What does Juana ask for when Coyotito is stung? Why?

7. How does Kino react when he sees the scorpion is about to bite Coyotito?

8. How does Juana react when she sees the pearl that Kino has discovered for the first time?

9. What does Juana do as soon as the scorpion bites Coyotito? Is this effective?

10. What is considered to be as good as the doctor's remedy for Coyotito's shoulder?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss Kino’s actions in the falling action and denouement of the novel.

How does Kino eventually solve the problem of the pearl? Where does the family live now that their house has been burned and their canoe destroyed? What repercussions does Kino suffer because he has a large pearl yet stabbed a man while defending himself?

Essay Topic 2

At one point in the novel, the villagers pretend what they would do if they had the great pearl. All of their hypothetical situations involve charity or helping other people. How does this contrast to Kino and his dreams? Do you think their dreams are truly what they would do if they had the pearl? How do their hypothetical dreams versus Kino's announced goals put a tension between him and his village?