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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 does Juana plead for after Kino is attacked in Chapter 4?

2. What does Juana say when Kino leaves to kill the trackers?

3. In Chapter 5, why can Kino not leave via his canoe?

4. What is in front of every pearl buyer at the market?

5. Where does the old man in the village ride to see Kino on his way to sell the pearl?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Juana try to destroy the pearl after their failed attempt at selling it?

2. What happens in Kino's dream in Chapter 6 while he is on the run?

3. Name some of the things the other villagers say they would do if they had the great pearl.

4. Describe the place where Juana and Kino spend the day in Chapter 6 while they are on the run.

5. Why do all the divers leave their canoes on the beach the morning after Kino's big pearl find?

6. What do Juan Tomas and Kino talk about on the way to sell the pearl?

7. Describe the clothing of Juana, Coyotito and Kino on the day of the pearl sale. Why are they dressed as they are?

8. What is evil beyond thinking to Kino?

9. Why does Kino wear his straw hat at a specific angle while trying to sell his pearl?

10. What does Kino do when the dark figure attacks him on the path back home in Chapter 5?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Race is an important theme throughout the novel. Discuss how race is shown and how this tension causes problems for Kino and his family.

1.) How would a less-biased response from the doctor or his servant at the gate affected the rest of the story? Would the outcome be different if the doctor had treated Coyotito from his scorpion bite initially? Why or why not?

2.) How do the pearl buyers represent the oppression that a biased social structure brings to the community? How do they work against the divers and prevent a fair deal?

3.) How does this racial situation affect Kino's response to the dead man he stabbed?

Essay Topic 3

Initially in the novel, Kino finds his sense of security and hope in his family, his hut, and his canoe. How is his sense of security and comfort redefined after he finds the pearl?

1.) How does the pearl change Kino's dreams for his family?

2.) How does the pearl change his relationship with his family, especially with Juana who was previously a huge source of comfort to him?

(see the answer keys)

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