Chapter 2

After Kino was dismissed by the rude doctor, Juana and he decided to go to the shore where Kino has a canoe that was a family heirloom. Kino is a fisherman, who finds food for his family in the water and also dives for pearls. In their desperation, they take out the canoe in hopes to find a pearl of value that would pay for the treatment. Juana acquires some seaweed and applies it to Coyotito’s wound.

Well the title and cover made this part extremely predictable. I figured that they would return to shore with a pearl worth enough for Coyotito’s treatment. However, I did have some questions. Since it is too early in the book for the pearl to be the climax, I wondered what would happen now. Would they immediately get Coyotito treated? Would someone rob the pearl from them?

As they are in the water, they spot a cluster of canoes where they must be near an oyster bed. Juana prays for them to find something of worth while Kino dives into the water to get oysters. He was under for more than two minutes, collecting the largest oysters. He collected one especially large oyster, and swims back up to the surface.

Kino is anxious to open the “prize catch” and Juana gently tells him to open it. When he opened the huge oyster, the biggest pearl that they have ever seen reveals itself inside. Even Coyotito’s wound had improved in the presence of the pearl, which I felt was pretty awesome. Juana was definitely amazed by the site. Kino lets a huge yell in excitement and relief and attracts the others on canoes in their curiousity.

I feel like by the end of chapter 2, Kino had made too much of a spectacle. He is in a poor neighborhood, I feel that any of them would want that pearl and problems would rise. A person doesn’t walk around village of starving people with a huge supply of food expecting nothing to happen; especially with a weapon or some sort of protection. Kino should have been more subtle and unsuspectingly should have paddled to shore.

Chapter 3

Of course, word gets around fast. Soon the whole town knows of his finding. The people are calling it “The Pearl of the World” and even before they returned to their house, people know. Predictably, everyone is thinking of how Kino can help them with the good fortune he has now, even the doctor that turned him away.

Now, it is clear how innocent Kino is; he is absolutely oblivious to the jealousy people have of him. Instead of not making more of a spectacle, Kino and Juana invite family and friends to celebrate with them. Kino’s brother Juan Tomás asks Kino what he will do with the money he will get from the pearl, and Kino gives an answer outside of himself. Here it clearly shows how the pearl begins to change Kino. Kino tells his plans to get a proper marriage in the church, a rifle, harpoon, and new clothes for his family. He tells them he more than anything wants to pay for Coyotito to go to school and get educated. The pearl brings him to really dream of things that are out of what he is used to and raised by. Even Juana is amazed and looks at Kino like the pearl is going to make big changes in not only their lives, but in himself. Everyone looks at the pearl knowing as well there is going to be changes and are both hopeful and fearful for them to come.

As people overstay their visit in Kino’s hut, the priest comes and blesses the house. He tells them to show him the pearl, as of course he is in awe of the pearl as well. He tells them that now since they have money coming their way not to forget about the church. That to me just seemed a little funny; he also appeared more jealous than caring and wanting good for Kino and his family. Darkness just seems to be spreading like a outbreak of the flu in the town.

Then look who slithers his way to the hut, the snake doctor and his servant. Protectively, Kino does not want to allow him inside and is obviously is sickened by the doctors presence. But the doctor implies that Coyotito could be in big trouble if the wound isn’t treated, and that pushes Kino to allow him inside. Juana sees him and immediately is suspicious and worried about him, even though Kino had calmed her down. The doctor inspects Coyotito and gives him medication. He tells them that he will return in an hour when the poison will strike again and the medication will help so he will check on him.

Kino immediately realizes how he has just kept the pearl out in the open. So he decides to bury it out of view of anyone and hide it in the corner of the hut. Soon Kino and Juana notice that Coyotito’s condition is just getting worse, and that angers Kino. The neighbors find out about everything and try to help the situation by offering support. Moments later the doctor returns and gives Coyotito a potion that puts him to rest. And just as his greedy appearance serves correct, the doctor then ask Kino when he will be able to pay him. Kino tells him as soon as he sells the pearl, he can pay him, and he pushes to get Kino to let him keep it in his safe. When Kino declines, he tells him that people might try to steal it if he keeps it there, but again, Kino declines.

Of course, the doctor was just being greedy and devious, but he did mention a good point of people coming to steal it from Kino. Kino, in his ignorance, glances at the corner in which the pearl is buried, giving it away to the doctor and the neighbors. When everyone left, he felt paranoid and dug up the pearl to bury it under the mat where they sleep. Later when they are sleeping, an intruder sneaks in and tries to dig away at the corner in search of the pearl. Kino awakes, partially because of his paranoia but also the emotional affect of the pearl is showing more harm to him then good. He notices the intruder and takes a knife and approaches him. He swings the knife wildly at the intruder, and they full on go into a violent fight. The intruder runs away out of the hut, and Kino is hurt from bruises and wounds.

Juana freaks out and goes off about how the pearl is evil and will not bring any good to them. She says that the pearl will ruin their family. Kino calms her down and says that the pearl is the only way for them to live better. In the morning they both smile and look at the pearl, optimistic and anxious for them to get their riches today. But now, I think troubles coming after all in chapter 3.