Discussion Questions

1. How do Kino and Juan Tomás differ from each other?

On their way to sell Kino’s pearl, Juan Tomás reminds Kino of how their ancestors’ attempts to prevent pearl buyers from cheating them ended in futility and loss. In response, Kino points out that the priest often preaches about the incident, using it as evidence of God’s support for the prevailing social power structure. He paraphrases the priest’s sermon, which implies that it is the native people’s duty to accept their subordinate position because God has willed it.

2. What is the significance of Kino’s refusal to sell the pearl to the buyers?

Kino refuses to accept being cheated by the pearl buyer; however, he realizes that by defying the buyers he has put himself in danger. He speaks with his brother Juan Tomás, who tells him that Kino has not only defied the buyers but the entire structure of society. By doing so, Juan adds, Kino has also lost any claim to protection. Nonetheless, Kino believes that his friends will protect him. He also says this to gauge the depth of his brother’s loyalty. In the end, the buyers are encouraged to pursue Kino and acquire his pearl at all costs. His refusal to sell the pearl results in violence and eventually the killing of his son. Kino is unable to escape his oppressive reality.

3. How does Juana deal with Kino’s violence toward her?

When Juana slips away to throw the pearl into the sea behind Kino’s back, he catches her and knocks the pearl out of her hand. Kino, possessed with rage, then proceeds to punch her in the face and kick her in the side. Juana does not retaliate or object to this violence from her husband; she believes the violence is central to his nature because he is a man.

Juana wishes to get rid of the pearl because it only brings them grief. Kino, on the other hand, believes that they can escape their misery and oppression if he can sell the pearl. Juana is afraid that keeping the pearl after refusing to sell it to the buyers will put their lives in danger. Despite their difference of opinion, they both want the best for their family. Having been taught by the fishing community’s worldview to regard men’s violence as an indispensable part of their nature, Juana is not alarmed by Kino’s unprecedented violence. She seems to tell herself that his violence is a kind of helplessness.