The Pearl

In The Pearl, this legendary pearl of the world brings out the best and worst in people. What does it trigger in our main characters?

Kino: For our leading man, the pearl begins as a blessing, but he later realizes that it only brings out the worst in those he knows. For Kino, it brings out a more angry side of him in response to everyone else's actions. He himself is not changing because of the pearl directly, but is changing because everyone else is.

Juana: Juana 's reaction to the pearl at this point is that the pearl is dangerous and must be destroyed. It just brings fear out of her because she sees that the pearl is changing everyone around her.

Neighbors: To the neighbors, Kino's pearl is a huge blessing to him, but they are very envious of him and it turns their opinions of him sour with their jealousy. All of them dislike Kino now because they wish it was them who found the beautiful pearl.

The Doctor: To the doctor, the pearl just emphasizes his greediness. He was sleazy and selfish before, and now he's ravenous and will do anything to get Kino's money. Maybe even poison Kino's son.

The Priest: The pearl brings out mixed emotions in the priest. He, being a man of God, feels happy for Kino upon finding the pearl,; happy that he has received this blessing in his time of need. But another side of him is no better than the doctor, and he becomes greedy and sinister towards Kino.

The Townspeople: The reaction of the townspeople is just like that of the neighbors, but instead of being glad for Kino, they are snooty and stick up their noses at him because they see him as just an unworthy Indian receiving such a miracle. Aside from that, though, they are in awe of the pearl's majesty and beauty. And, just like everyone else, they are green with envy.

Ultimately, though, I think the pearl acts as a catalyst. It brings out people's innermost emotions and makes them stronger and more intent, while the pearl itself just sits on the side looking pretty. And it symbolizes everything it evokes in the people in the villages and towns of Kino's homeland, whatever that may be.