The Pearl Group

Question:

marwin
marwin
Student
High School - 9th Grade

Describe the episode when the doctor visits Kino's house in "The Pearl".

In "The Pearl" by John Steinbeck.

Rate question:

Posted by marwin on Tuesday May 5, 2009 at 6:06 AM and tagged with characters, doctor, episode, kino.

Answers:

  1. parkerlee
    parkerlee Teacher

    eNotes Editor

    The doctor first makes the baby sick by giving him what is probably Ipecac (something to make you vomit); this is to accentuate the symptoms of poisoning so that Kino and Juana will be grateful when he "saves" their son and reward him with a big bonus.

    However, Kino picks up on the doctor's scheme but can't be sure of his ill intentions and must go along with his "professional" care. So Coyotito writhes and vomits under the influence of the "medicine" and then indeed does get better. In the meantime, the doctor mentions the pearl and is attentive to watch Kino closely to note where he looks in apprehension.  There is another "visit" later in the night because of this; the doctor sends someone to unearth the pearl and steal it, but Juana has had the foresight to hide it in another place. There is a scruffle in the dark between Kino and this intruder, and the would-be thief is killed.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/pearl/

    Rate answer:

    Posted by parkerlee on Tuesday May 5, 2009 at 9:45 AM