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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What happened when the pearl buyers gave a fisherman a price that was too low?

2. In Chapter 3, why does the doctor say he didn't see Kino this morning?

3. What is the thing of highest value for Kino and his family?

4. How long can Kino stay under the water?

5. What stings Coyotito?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is Kino’s home described?

2. How does word travel so fast that Kino has a great pearl?

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

4. How do the villagers’ perceptions of Kino change after his discovery of the pearl?

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

6. Why does Juana not believe the poultice to be a good solution for Coyotito?

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

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

9. Where do the divers find their goods to sell?

10. How would you describe the beliefs of the people of the Gulf?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe Juan Tomas's role in the novel. He is Kino's brother, but has an important significance through the story.

1.) How does Juan Tomas feel about Kino selling the pearl? What advice does he give him?

2.) How does Juan Tomas feel about Kino running away? What can we deduce about how he feels about the pearl based on his statements?

3.) How does Juan Tomas protect his brother?

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?

Essay Topic 3

The theme of powerful forces manipulating the environment is prevalent throughout the novel.

1) What are some examples of ways the author uses symbolism to develop this theme?

2) How is the theme developed through character actions?

3) How does setting relate to the theme of powerful forces manipulating the environment?

(see the answer keys)

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