The Pearl–Chapter 4 Reading Questions – Flashcards
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How did the pearl buyers get satisfaction out of their job?
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The pearl buyers got satisfaction out of their job by the pearl hunt and if it be (is) a man's function to break down a price, he could make the price as low as he wants.
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How did the family prepare themselves for their trip into town?
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The family prepared themselves for their trip into town by dressing up in nice clothes and brought a leather bag to keep the pearl in.
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How does Kino's conversation with Juan Tomas about the value of pearls further demonstrate the naivety (innocence or unsophistication) of their people?
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Kino's conversation with Juan Tomas about the value of pearls further demonstrate the naivety of of their people by saying they don't know prices are paid in other places. T hey don't know if their price is fair.
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How does the priest justify the loss of the townspeople's pearls? Why is it important that everyone fulfill their designated role in the universe?
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The priest justify the loss of the townspeople's pearls by saying it was a punishment visited on those who tried to leave their station. It's important that everyone fulfill their designated role in the universe because it could be dangerous if you don't.
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How does Steinbeck indirectly let us know that the pearl buyer is good at making other people like him?
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Do what ever emotions he needs to gain people's trust and confindence
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How does the buyer try and devalue Kino's pearl before he has even seen it?
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The buyer tries and devalues Kino's pearl before he has even seen it by saying men sometimes bring in a dozen pearls.
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What is the dealer's opinion of the pearl?
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The dealer's opinion of the pearl is like "fool's gold". It's too large.
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Describe how each of the three other dealers tries to devalue Kino's pearl.
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The first dealer devalues Kino's pearl by saying it's monstrous. The second dealer says the pearl is soft and chalky. The third dealer offers purchase but only for half the amount of what the original buyer offered.
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Why is Juan Tomas afraid for Kino?
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It defined the pearl buyers but the whole structure their society had been built upon.
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What happens to Kino when he leaves the hut? Describe his physical state after the incident is over.
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Kino gets attacked by a shadowy figure after he leaves the hut. Blood oozed out of Kino's head and there was a deep cut from ear to chin. He was only half conscious.
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Why do you think Kino says the phrase, "I am a man," repeatedly?
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Kino repeats "I am a man" because he wanted to fight through all these troubles for his life.
