Student Question

How does the loyalty of Juana and Tomas affect Kino's actions in "The Pearl"?

Quick answer:

Juana and Tomas's loyalty significantly impacts Kino's actions by enabling his destructive pursuit of wealth. Juana, despite recognizing the pearl's potential evil, submits to Kino's authority and remains silent after her initial protest. Tomas, Kino's brother, supports Kino's decisions and helps him in his endeavors. Their unwavering support allows Kino to persist in his misguided quest, ultimately leading to tragic consequences for the family as Kino prioritizes the pearl over their safety.

Expert Answers

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In our modern day, Kino's family members might be called "enablers", because their actions allow Kino to persist in his destructive pursuit of material riches.  Juana, even in her simplicity, perceives the potential evil presented by the pearl, but when she is physically rebuffed by Kino she submits to his authority and keeps her peace.  Juana plays the role of the submissive, compliant wife, and even though she knows in her heart that Kino's actions will result in their ruin, after her initial protest Juana remains silent.

Juan Tomas is Kino's brother and nearest neighbor.  He and his wife Apolonia unquestioningly support Kino's decisions, and it is Tomas who accompanies Kino when he goes into town, first for the Doctor, and later to sell the pearl.  Like Juana, Tomas's and Apolonia's loyalty enables Kino to persist in his misguided quest. When the family's hut is burned and they must flee the village, Apolonia's calm presence of mind assures that their survival is kept secret until they can get away, and Tomas's industry secures for them the supplies needed for their escape.

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How does family loyalty affect Kino's actions in John Steinbeck's The Pearl?

The totality of Kino’s life is his wife and child, and he is satisfied with this. To make a life for the three of them, and any other children that may come, is all he focuses on. With the finding of the pearl, however, he begins to think of what he can provide for them. It is these dreams that change his life, from protecting his family to protecting the pearl. Even though the pearl means a new life, he begins to do more protecting of the pearl, even striking his wife Juana when she tries to throw it back into the sea. To Juana, the pearl has brought evil. It is true that in the presence of the pearl, Juana thinks that the swelling in Coyotito’s arm from the scorpion sting is fading, but it is the change in Kino that frightens her. Rejecting the pearl merchants’ offers, he keeps the pearl, perhaps to sell in the city. When he kills a man, he intends to flee to safety. He does not want to take Juana and the baby with him, feeling that they would be safer remaining with Juan Tomas and his family. Yet she comes with him, pursued by men to capture him. The result is tragedy for his family.

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