SETTING & BACKGROUND
Where does most of the story take place?
On a ship traveling from San Francisco to Yokohama.
Who is nicknamed “Mr Know-All”?
Max Kelada.
What object causes the main conflict at dinner?
Mrs Ramsay’s pearl necklace.
What do pearls symbolize in the story?
Value of character
Is the story told in first or third person?
First person.
When does the story take place?
After World War I.
How does the narrator feel about Mr Kelada at the beginning?
He dislikes him and is prejudiced against him.
What does Mr Kelada claim about the necklace at first?
That it is real and very valuable.
Which character represents the “real pearl”?
Mr Kelada.
Give one adjective that describes Mr Kelada.
Chatty / arrogant / confident / sociable / familiar
What was Prohibition, mentioned in the story?
A period when alcohol was banned in the USA.
Who is Mr Ramsay?
An American consul stationed in Kobe.
Who makes a bet and on how much money?
A bet of 100 dollars between Mr Kelada and Mr Ramsay.
Which character represents the “cultured pearl”?
Mrs Ramsay.
What adjectives describe Mr Ramsey?
dogmatic / stubborn / heavy / great
Why does the narrator have to share a cabin?
Because accommodation on the ship is limited.
What does Mrs Ramsey try to hide about herself?
That her pearls were given by another man
Why does Mr Kelada suddenly say the necklace is fake?
Because he sees Mrs Ramsay’s fear and wants to protect her.
What problem is shown through the narrator’s attitude to Mr Kelada?
Prejudice and judging by appearances.
What adjectives describe Mrs Ramsey
Pretty, little, modest
Why is the setting important to the story?
Because the closed space forces characters to interact and creates conflict.
What action of Mr Kelada shows that he was kind and understanding?
He lies about the pearls to protect Mrs Ramsay.
What happens the next morning after the bet?
Mr Kelada receives an envelope with 100 dollars.
What lesson does the story teach?
Don't judge a book by it's cover
What is the irony of the title of the story?
Mr Kelada, who always claims to know everything, chooses to say that he is wrong