The Pearl Chapters 4-6 Test

Long Answer: Choose five out of seven (15 points each)-
1. On page 46, in the second paragraph starting “ ‘I know,’ said Kino. ‘I have heard our father…”, what is religion telling the poverty stricken to do?






2. Find a quote in chapter five that is significant and deals with darkness. Explain why it is significant. Then find a second quote about light and do the same thing.




3. We see a debacle of rationality in chapter five. Explain how Kino’s rational thought is being obscured and find evidence from the text to support your claim. (62)





4. “And in that day the wind rose up to beat the Gulf and tore the kelps and weeds that lined the shore, and the wind cried through the brush houses and no boat was safe on the water.” (66) What literary device does Steinbeck employ in this quote? What is its function in the novel?



5. What does Kino do to the ants in chapter six? How does it relate to:
-fate
- God
- the pearl
According to this interpretation, can fate be changed? Explain.




6. Is Juana an admirable or a despicable character? Use evidence from the text to prove your assertion.




7. Why is it ironic that Juana prayed for the pearl in the beginning of the novel?







Essay (30 points)
Write at least two paragraphs discussing responsibility in The Pearl. In paragraph one, discuss the following: As the novel progressed, the pearl slowly consumed Kino, obscuring his vision and corroding his rational thought. Find a quote on page 62 to prove this. Should Kino be held accountable for his actions despite this? Explain your opinion. Use any support for your argument that you can.
In paragraph two, discuss the following: Juan Thomas allowed Kino to seek refuge in his home after he murdered someone, and while Juana knew the pearl was a source of evil, she was submissive to her husband. Did these actions ultimately lead to Coyotito’s death? Can they be held responsible because of this? Why or why not?