Synopsis of the Pearl

The Pearl's Cover
http://www.ambrit-rome.com/clasproj/mslit/mslit12:13/7pearl2/The-Pearl.jpg

The Pearl was an interesting novel that helped us see into the lives of the poor. It begins with Kino, a pearl farmer in a small village near a town. He lives in a small hut with his wife, Juana, and baby, Coyotito. Kino loves his life, but then, a scorpion stings Coyotito, and they don't know if he will survive.

The family walks to town, looking for the doctor. But the doctor is a selfish man, who refuses to help the Native Americans and does not accept their payment. Needing some payment, Kino must hope for a miracle pearl. He goes pearl hunting, hoping, praying for some luck. The luck comes to him, in the pearl of the world! Kino is giddy with joy, and is already imagining his new life.

Coyotito is actually fine- But the doctor comes in and visits Kino. He lies, saying that it's just a prank of the venom, and gives Coyotito 'medicine', and promises to visit later. When the doctor comes, Coyotito is sick, so the doctor gives Coyotito the antidote to the poison he gave earlier. In the process, he is able to scout out the location of the pearl.

That night, intruders come to steal the pearl, but Kino is able to defeat them. Morning arrives, and the whole town comes to see the negotiations between Kino and the dealers. The dealers try tricking Kino. They say that the pearl is really valueless, but Kino stands guard. He promises to go to the capital and find a real value.

The next morning, Juana wakes up, and runs outside. She tries throwing the pearl into the water, but Kino catches her, and punishes her. While walking back, he is attacked, and he has no choice but to kill one intruder. He and Juana run to Kino's brother's home, where they stay until night. The town thinks they are dead.

Night falls, and they depart, running from trackers. At first they are careful, but soon it is flight not fight. While they hide in a cave, Kino must try to kill the trackers. He tries, but there is a confusing flurry of action.

Finally, Kino and Juana walk into town. Kino throws the pearl, which he saw as a blessing, and now a curse. It sinks into the ocean. We learn that Kino did kill a tracker, but a tracker killed his son, one of the important things in Kino's life.

The End.

Synopsis Credits:
Steinbeck, John. The Pearl. New York: Viking, 1947. Print.

Photo Credits:
"The Pearl." The Pearl. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Dec. 2014.