The Pearl Summary

589 Words3 Pages
Kino is a young Mexican-Indian pearl diver, who enjoys a simple life with his wife Juana and their baby, Coyotito. Their lives seem rather peaceful, until their baby is unexpectedly bitten by a scorpion, and falls ill. Juana and Kino, accompanied by their neighbors, go to see the local doctor who refuses to treat Coyotito because Kino cannot pay. Kino and Juana leave and take Coyotito down near the sea, where Juana tends to Coyotito by applying seaweed poultice on his swollen shoulder. Meanwhile, Kino dives for oysters from his canoe, attempting to come across pearls in order to pay for his son’s treatment. He then uncovers a very large oyster and is surprised by a big, beautiful pearl. The news on his discovery of the immense pearl traveled quickly through La Paz. The doctor who refused to help Coyotito decides to visit Kino. When Kino’s brother Juan Thomas asks him what will he do with his money, he envisions getting married to Juana in a church and dressing his son in a sailor suit. He will also send Coyotito to school. The doctor visits again, although Coyotito is healing, the doctor insists he still faces danger. He tells the doctor he will pay him as soon as he sells his pearl, and the doctor attempts to discern where the pearl is located in the hut. That night, a thief attempted to break into Kino’s hut, but Kino was able to drive him away. Juana senses that the pearl is evil and will destroy them, but Kino insists that the pearl is their one chance and will sell it tomorrow. Kino goes to sell his pearl along with his neighbors. To his surprise, the pearl dealer only offers one thousand pesos when he believes he deserves fifty thousand. Other dealers inspect the pearl and offer similar prices. Kino declines their offers and decides to go to the capital and sell it there. That night, Kino is attacked once more and Juana reminds Kino how evil the pearl is.
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