The Pearl by John Steinbeck

Chapter 4 Questions

Cite page references when providing answers.

  1. Who knew "most of all" that Kino was going to sell his pearl?
  2. In what ways did the pearl buyers mislead the people?
  3. Kino’s neighbours had a variety of suggestions as to what to do with the pearl. What were they? Why do you think the neighbours made these types of "choices"?
  4. Provide evidence to support the notion that selling the pearl was a significant event.
  5. Juan Tomas brings up a significant concern when discussing a fair price for the pearl. What is it?
  6. How did the elders try to solve the problem Juan Tomas brought up? Did it work?
  7. What tactics to the appraisers use to downplay the significance of the "Pearl of the World"? Cite specific lines and page references.
  8. What clues do the appraisers provide that the pearl was, in fact a significant gem? Cite specific lines and page references.
  9. How did Kino’s neighbours react to his final business decision? Cite specific lines and page references.
  10. What does Juan Tomas tell Kino?
  11. What does "He had lost one world but not gained another" (53) mean?
  12. What happens that evening? How does effect Juana?