What Does The Pearl Symbolize In Chapter 2?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The pearl elicits more and more greed on Kino’s part, as he begins to devote all his energies and possessions to protecting it (recalling the biblical parable of the pearl of great price). It thus comes to symbolize

the destructive nature of materialism

.

What is Chapter 2 of the pearl about?

In chapter two of ”The Pearl” by John Steinbeck,

Kino searches for a pearl that is valuable enough to be sold so that he can afford get medical treatment for his son, Coyotito

, who was stung by a scorpion.

What does the pearl symbolize?

What does a pearl symbolize? Pearls are the ultimate symbol for

wisdom

. Valued for their calming effects, pearls represent serenity, while being able to strengthen valuable relationships and convey a sense of safety. Pearls also symbolize purity, as well as integrity and loyalty.

What does the pearl symbolize in Chapter 3?

Kino’s dreams, symbolized by his hopes for Coyotito, once so pure, are now mixed with a sense of danger and foreboding (the song of evil). … She decries

the pearl as evil, a sin, and begs Kino to throw it into the sea before it destroys them

.

What does the town in the pearl symbolize?

When Kino first finds the pearl, it is a

symbol of hope and salvation

. The pearl and what it holds of wealth represents a great potential for the family and so their ambitions grow big.

What does a pearl mean in the Bible?

Matthew is using a variety of similes for the kingdom of heaven…a pearl is a perfect simile because

a fine pearl is a valuable treasure that needs no polishing or cutting by man

. It comes to us complete and lustrous created by God through nature, as is the kingdom of heaven, which only God could create and perfect.

When should you not wear pearls?

It is said that pearls should never be worn

on your wedding day

as they symbolize tears. Wearing pearls on your wedding day represents tears and sorrow in your marriage and will bring you unhappiness in the future.

What happened to Coyotito in Chapter 2?


Juana rests Coyotito upon the blanket and places her shawl over him to protect him from the sun

. She then wades into the water and collects some seaweed, which she applies gently to Coyotito’s wound.

What is the irony in the Pearl?

The greatest of ironies in The Pearl is that of

situational irony, the discrepancy between what is expected to happen and what actually happens

. Here are examples of this irony of situation: When Kino finds the Pearl of the World, he hears “the music of the pearl” and expects his life to improve tremendously.

What is the irony at the end of chapter 2 in the Pearl?

The irony here is, of course, that the canoe represents a continuation of the family tradition, since it belonged first to Kino’s father and before that to his grandfather, and yet at the end of the story,

Kino will have neither a child nor a canoe to pass on to another generation

.

Why can’t Kino sell the pearl?

Kino did not sell his pearl for

fifteen hundred pesos because, as an experienced pearl diver, he knew that his pearl was worth much more

. The pearl merchants, however, are working for one main buyer who pays them a salary rather than a portion of the profit.

Why is the pearl evil?

If the pearl in the final lines of the novel is described as being “grey and ulcerous,” and evil, this is only

because it has been made evil by the greed of man

. In a sense, the pearl therefore acts as a mirror of the men that yearn for it.

What is the theme of Chapter 3 in the pearl?

Like everyone else,

the doctor who turned Kino away desires the pearl

. Ignorant of others’ jealousy, Kino and Juana delight in their good fortune, inviting family and friends to share their joy in their newfound treasure.

What is a metaphor in the pearl?

“If I give it up I shall lose my soul. Go thou also with God.” An example of a metaphor from Chapter 5 of The Pearl can be found in this line: “

He was an animal now, for hiding, for attacking, and he lived only to preserve himself and his family.

” This is on page 62 of my copy, a Penguin book paperback edition.

Who killed Coyotito?

The watchman decides to silence the wailer by shooting in the direction of the cry. Unbeknownst to

Kino

, the bullet hits and kills Coyotito.

What is the importance of Pearl in the novel the pearl?

The pearl initially

represents salvation and redemption

, even answered prayers. Kino finds the pearl just after a doctor refuses to help his son Coyotito, who has been stung by a scorpion, because Kino has no money to pay the doctor.

Maria Kunar
Author
Maria Kunar
Maria is a cultural enthusiast and expert on holiday traditions. With a focus on the cultural significance of celebrations, Maria has written several blogs on the history of holidays and has been featured in various cultural publications. Maria's knowledge of traditions will help you appreciate the meaning behind celebrations.