How is poverty shown in The Pearl?
Poverty is shown in “The Pearl” as an inevitable accompaniment to colonial oppression. Like other indigenous folk, Kino and his family occupy the lowest rungs of the social ladder. No longer will they have to endure the humiliating grind of poverty; they will be able to live the kind of life previously denied to them.
How is wealth defined in The Pearl?
In The Pearl, wealth is virtually synonymous with power. Those with money are invariably the ones who exercise power, both social and political. This helps to explain why the doctor is so determined that Kino will never get a fair price for his pearl. Kino is a member of the indigenous population.
How is poverty dehumanizing in The Pearl?
Indeed poverty is dehumanizing. Apart from that, Kino can barely afford some basic needs and simple luxuries of life. Also, poverty turns people into heartless brutes. When Kino finds the pearl, everyone becomes interested in him with the hope of reaping some benefits.
What things about Kino and Juana’s life allow you to know they are poor?
Kino is poor and has little money and a few seed pearls to pay the doctor, so the doctor takes his time in going to treat the baby. When the doctor knows for sure that the family has no money, he tells his servant to tell Kino and Juana that he had a more serious case and had to leave.
What happens to Kino and Juana’s son?
With their little son now dead, the hopes for his future and their happiness are dashed. Kino and Juana’s life together is now a tragedy. Kino fights them and kills one of them, after they had fired a gun shot towards the mountain. Without knowing it at the time, the bullet struck and killed Coyotito.
What is the first thing Kino looks at when he wakes?
Kino first looks at the door, and then goes out to watch the sunrise, representing how his family position faces out towards the world and his responsibilities our external to the home.
Why does Kino sell the pearl?
Kino hopes the pearl will prevent him from feeling that way again. His son will be provided with an education that will put an end to his neighbors being cheated by the educated townspeople. Kino sacrifices everything that matters to him in his desire to keep the pearl and get the best price.