Student Question

Why do you think no new songs were added to Kino's people's old songs in The Pearl?

Quick answer:

No new songs were added to Kino's people's old songs because centuries of Spanish colonial influence eroded their indigenous culture. The old songs provide Kino with a historical and spiritual connection to his ancestors, preserving fragments of their heritage. However, the homogenization of Mexican culture under Spanish rule prevented the addition of new songs, leaving the repertoire unchanged and reflecting the cultural impact of colonization.

Expert Answers

An illustration of the letter 'A' in a speech bubbles

Kino's people are indigenous Mexicans. They are native to the land that was conquered and colonized by the Spanish many years before. The subtle implication of this particular excerpt in the book is that several centuries of Spanish colonial influence have gradually eroded the indigenous culture. Kino can still sing the old songs; they provide him with a vital historical and spiritual link to his ancestors. Songs are thus a very important part of Kino's culture. Through them, memories of the dim and distant past—Mexico's pre-colonial past—have been passed down from generation to generation, enabling indigenous Mexicans to keep fragments of their heritage alive. But no new songs have been added to the available repertoire due to the homogenization of Mexican culture after centuries of Spanish influence.

Get Ahead with eNotes

Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.

Get 48 Hours Free Access
Approved by eNotes Editorial