The Pearl Group

Question:

lafter
lafter
Student
High School - 9th Grade

What specific objects in the book have symbolic meanings and what are the meanings of those objects?

 

A few references and/or specific quotations would be great. Thanks.

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Posted by lafter on Sunday June 7, 2009 at 2:42 PM and tagged with meaning, objects, symbolic, the pearl.

Answers:

  1. shawnaswhite
    shawnaswhite Teacher
    High School - 10th Grade

    There are three main objects in The Pearlthat are considered symbols. They are the pearl itself, the scorpion, and Kino's canoe. The pearl shifts meaning through the novel. At the beginning it represents hope and the things that could be, but as the story progresses it comes to represent greed and the destructive nature of that greed.

    As for the scorpion, this is a symbol of the destruction of innocence. The scorpion stings that baby (Innocent) and makes him very sick.

    The canoe is the link to tradition and heritage. It was passed on from Kino's father and it helps him to provide for his family.

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    Posted by shawnaswhite on Monday June 8, 2009 at 8:25 AM