Discussion Topic
Analysis of key chapters and their functions in "The Pearl."
Summary:
Key chapters in The Pearl serve to illustrate the transformation of Kino and the impact of the pearl on his life. Early chapters establish Kino's simple, contented life, while subsequent chapters show the escalating greed and violence as he becomes consumed by the pearl's promise. The final chapters highlight the tragic consequences of his obsession, underscoring the novel's themes of greed and loss.
What is the function of Chapter 5 in The Pearl?
Chapter 5 of John Steinbeck's The Pearl achieves the function of making it clear that the pearl will only bring unhappiness to Kino and Juana. At the beginning of the chapter, Juana tries to throw the pearl into the sea, but Kino, enraged, follows her. Steinbeck describes Kino as "red with anger," and Kino hisses at Juana "like a snake" (page numbers vary by edition). Kino has become unmoored by greed and his beating of Juana, followed by her passive acceptance of it, shows that the family is beginning to break apart.
After Kino beats Juana, he is attacked, and he kills the man who attacks him. At this point, "Juana knew that the old life was gone forever" (page numbers vary by edition). Juana understands that her peaceful way of life has been shattered. Juana tells Kino that they have to flee their home, and they later find...
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that their boat has been destroyed and that their house is in flames. It is clear that the discovery of the pearl has only brought disaster and discord to their family.Â