The Pearl Questions Chapter One and Two
1. Early in the first chapter, the author introduces the reader to songs. What does “The Song of the Family” mean for Kino?
2. Foreshadowing is a technique an author uses to give clues about future events that will take place in the story. What was the song that hinted that evil was about to interrupt Kino’s family? Name a famous song that you think would depict the danger well and explain why.
3. The author writes that “It was a morning like other mornings” as Kino awaits his breakfast. Briefly describe their morning before breakfast.
4. Why do you suppose the author chose the word “delicately” when he wrote: “The scorpion moved delicately down the rope” to Coyotito’s box?
5. What surprising thing did Juana do after Coyotito was stung by the scorpion? What does this say about her motherly instincts?
6. What are some differences between Kino’s neighborhood and that of the doctor? (Quote to support your answer.)
7. How does the author describe the character of the doctor?
8. Kino went to the doctor for help, yet the author writes that Kino could “kill the doctor more easily than he could talk to him.” Explain this contradiction.
9. The doctor informs his servant that he has no time to “cure insect bites for little Indians” and that he is not a veterinary doctor. What new element is added here to his character?
10. Why do you think the people of Kino’s neighborhood follow him to the doctor’s house? What does this say about their community?