Pearl 1
This small, dangerous creature bites Coyotito in his hanging box in Chapter 1, kicking off the events of the novella.
Scorpion
This gentle song plays in Kino's head at the very beginning of the book, representing safety, warmth, and his routine with Juana.
The Song of the Family
He is Kino’s older, wiser brother who gives him realistic advice about the dangers of dealing with the pearl buyers.
Juan Tomás
When the doctor refuses to come to the brush huts, Juana does this unexpected, ancient remedy to soothe Coyotito’s swollen shoulder
Apply seaweed poultice
This South American country is home to the real-world ruins of Machu Picchu, an ancient Incan citadel high up in the Andes Mountains
Peru
The reason the doctor initially refuses to treat Coyotito when Kino and Juana bring him to the brush hut gate.
He has no money.
Kino hears this melody cutting through his thoughts whenever danger, the scorpion, or evil characters like the doctor appear.
The Song of Evil (or the Song of the Enemy)
Initially, this object symbolizes hope, wealth, and divine favor, but by Chapter 4, it begins to symbolize danger and division.
This is where Kino buries the pearl inside his hut to keep it safe from the night intruders.
under his sleeping mat (or in the dirt corner)
Who won the 2018 World Cup?
France
After finding the great pearl, Kino lists several things he wants to buy. This is the one item he wants specifically for his son's future
An education for Coyotito
Steinbeck describes the town of La Paz using this animal metaphor, explaining how news travels instantly from the brush huts to the church. What does he call the town?
Colonial Animal
Passed down from his grandfather, this physical object symbolizes Kino's heritage, his livelihood, and his ability to feed his family.
The Canoe
When Kino walks into the town to sell the pearl in Chapter 4, this specific group of people follows him like a massive, silent procession to watch the drama unfold.
the neighbors / the people of the town's brush huts
What is the closest living relative to the Tyrannosaurus rex? T-Rex
A chicken
In Chapter 4, the pearl buyers try to trick Kino by claiming his pearl is too large and comparing it to this worthless object. Whatdo they say to describe the pearl?
A "monstrosity" or "fool's gold." (Accept: A museum curiosity).
What is the Pearl Buyer doing before Kino walks in to sell the pearl?
Fidgeting with a silver coin.
The pearl buyers seem to be independent rivals, but they actually all work for one boss to keep prices low. This represents this theme.
Corruption
When the priest visits Kino’s brush hut after the pearl is found, he subtly reminds Kino that he was named after a great man of the Church, hoping Kino will do this.
donate money to the church / pay for a church wedding or baptism
Which planet in our solar system rotates the fastest, completing a full day in just 10 hours?
Jupiter
When the doctor gives Coyotito a white powder that actually makes him sick, the "medicine" becomes a symbol for this character trait.
corruption/deceit/manipulation from the higher class
How many times has Juana advised Kino to get rid of the pearl?
Twice
Because Kino's people have been denied education and literacy for generations, they are trapped at the bottom of society, showcasing this theme.
This event happens in the dark outside Kino's hut at the end of Chapter 3, leaving Kino bloodied and his clothes torn.
an attack by an unknown intruder / thief
How old is Mr. Mancilla
31