The Pearl Video Summary
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- Опубликовано: 16 окт 2024
- Visit us at www.gradesaver... to read the full video transcript and our study guide for this classic novel, which includes a full list of characters and much more.
The Pearl, by John Steinbeck, is based on the biblical parable of a merchant who finds a pearl of great value, then trades everything he owns to procure it. The jewel is a metaphor for heaven by which man's earthly existence becomes worthless when compared to the joys of living with God. The novella is also an allegory of the American dream, warning of the perils of becoming an overnight success.
Set in the impoverished Mexican-Indian community of La Paz, Mexico, the story begins with the poor but content Kino, who adores his practical wife, Juana, and their infant son, Coyotito. One day a scorpion stings the baby. Kino kills it, but when he and Juana take their son to the doctor, the physician refuses to treat him. The doctor looks down on Kino’s race and knows he cannot pay the full medical bill. When the family leaves, in frustration, Kino smashes his fist on the doctor's gate.
Kino and Juana then take Coyotito down to the sea. There, Juana applies a seaweed poultice on Coyotito's shoulder to treat the scorpion sting. Kino dives for oysters from his old canoe, attempting to find pearls to pay for the doctor’s treatment for his son. Indeed he finds a large oyster, which yields an immense pearl and Kino howls with joy.
Kino’s neighbors are jealous when they hear the news. When Kino’s brother, Juan Tomas, asks him what he will do with his newly found fortune, he envisions getting married to Juana in a church and dressing Coyotito in a yachting cap and sailor suit. He hopes to buy a rifle for himself and send his son to school.
Next, the local priest visits asking Kino to give thanks and to pray for guidance. Then the doctor visits, offering Coyotito additional treatment. After the doctor leaves, Kino wraps the pearl in a rag and buries it in the dirt floor. The doctor returns offering to keep the jewel safe for Kino. Kino refuses, frightened that everyone is after his pearl.
That night, Kino thinks that he hears noises in his hut. He grabs a knife, striking at an intruder in the dark. Afterward, Juana tells Kino that the pearl is evil and insists he throw it away or break it before it destroys them. Kino refuses, saying he will sell it in town the next morning.
After being warned by his brother not to get swindled like their ancestors did, Kino goes to sell his pearl, accompanied by his neighbors. The dealer offers a thousand pesos, but Kino believes it is worth fifty thousand. He can feel the evil around him as other dealers inspect the pearl and offer similar prices. Kino refuses their offers and decides to go to the capital to sell it there.
Back in their village the townspeople argue whether Kino should have accepted the money, which was still more than he would have ever seen in his life. He buries the pearl again in his hut and becomes more terrified of the world around him. Juan Tomas tells Kino that he has defied not only the pearl buyers, but the whole structure of life, and he fears for his brother’s safety.
Later that night Kino is attacked by thieves after investigating noises outside his hut. Juana once again tells him that the pearl is evil and they must destroy it. When Kino refuses, she attempts to take the pearl and throw it into the ocean, but he finds Juana on the beach and uncharacteristically beats her for doing so. Then, a group of men accost Kino and knock the pearl from his hand. Juana watches from a distance and sees that he has stabbed another man out of greed and desperation.
Juana finds the pearl, and then she and Kino decide to escape. He orders her to bring Coyotito and all of the corn they have. Then, Kino finds that his canoe has been damaged and their house is torn up and the outside set afire. Kino and Juana hide at Juan Tomas’ before setting out for the north the next night. Juan Tomas reminds his brother that he should have sold the pearl, but Kino insists the pearl has become his soul.
The family travels through the night, then rests during the day, then hides when Kino suspects they are being followed. Bighorn sheep trackers are following them.
The trackers believe Coyotito’s cries are those of a coyote pup. One shoots in the direction of the baby’s cries. Then Kino steals the rifle, viciously killing all three trackers with the gun and his knife. Afterwards, he can hear nothing but he cry of death coming from the cave.
Juana and Kino return to La Paz defeated. Kino carries a rifle that he had always hoped for, stolen from one of the trackers he killed, while Juana carries the dead Coyotito. Nobody speaks to them and even Juan Tomas cannot bear to say a word. Now, when Kino looks at the pearl, he only sees the image of his dead son, Coyotito. Kino throws the now meaningless object into the ocean, relieving himself of the evil once and for all.
Some hero’s don’t wear capes they just sit and summarize stories. Not the hero we wanted but the hero we needed and I say respect to you young lad and thank you for your time.
As someone with ADHD and issues focusing when reading thank you so much the visual representation helped me so much.
I was supposed to read a book over the past 2 months (holidays) but didn't know which book I should've read. I found out it's this book on the very last day and this helps me a lot.
The art made is phenomenal! I absolutely love the use of color to express mood and the dynamic poses!! Well done Dan Ekis!
An analog of human greed. That's the most simple but honest interpretation.
I needed to read this book over the summer in order to get into my advanced english and i had no motivation to do so but thanks to you, you just made everything so much more easier for me.
Kino sounds badass and not badass at the same time
You are a true grade saver , thank you
like if you here cuz you didn't read the book and the assignment is due tomorrow
It is due tomorrow 😂
Typing out an essay right now, this video really came in clutch for me
Thank you so much!! 🙏😊 the book was kinda confusing for me but this REALLY helped.
rightt, so many descriptions and high vocabulary
Me too
This video needs more recognition!!
You saved my summer reading project 🙌🙌🙌
saddest book ever
Sad story with a lesson. Thanks for the video. 2021
you are a life saver😭
doing summer reading last minute
Same bro
thank you i have a test based on this tommorow
Great as Always
Thank you so much you have saved my grade
bro thank you a lot bc my teacher told me to read the whole book but i just saw this summary
did you do good
You forgot about the music, it was a really important part of the book.
Many thanks 😊
This is a life saver
Wow they still read this in school? Interesting.
yup i have it for my english class
I just did this for my gsces
Me too
Wish i had this back in 06 when I first read this book
Is my wish to master pearl and Macbeth videos before the opens of our academic year
I have to make a song about the pearl by Friday , any ideas for lyrics?
I can try to make song lyrics and send it to you by tomorrow
Bro u deserve so much
I have this as an exam tomorrow
Actual gradesaver
Here cause I have book test tomorrow that’s worth 50%💀
Me too
Hi happy birthday
Thanks bro I have a final exam and i know nothing about this story
Me too😂😂
@@Turki-968 which school are u in
@@fyaspix2058 sabis
@@fyaspix2058 what about you
Tbh I did read the story but still didn't understand it that well
Thank uuu
POV: summer reading 😭
saved me thank you
What shows the pearl were valuable
I thought Keno has a mustache
Moral of the story: Money cannot buy happiness!!
The pearl is not evil. People are what a waste.
Great %
Pearl esays