The Pearl

What is the setting of The Pearl?

• Mexico’s colonial period

• La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico

• Mexico’s colonial period; La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico

• 1935; Salinas, California

Which of the following are symbols in The Pearl?

• Pearl

• Scorpion

• Songs

• Canoe

Which of the following are characters in The Pearl?

• Juana

• Juan Tomás

• Tino

• All of the above

Where was Steinbeck born?

• Salinas, California

• Salinas, Mexico

• San Francisco, California

• New York, New York

What theme is highlighted by the villagers' reaction to Kino's pearl in Chapter 3?

• The power of love

• The corrupting influence of wealth

• The importance of education

• The strength of family

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

What message does Steinbeck convey about wealth and happiness through "The Pearl"?

• Wealth guarantees happiness

• Wealth can lead to destruction and sorrow

• Wealth is unimportant in life

• Wealth should be pursued at all costs

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

What is the significance of the pearl buyers' deception in Chapter 4 in the context of the novel's themes?

• It underscores the theme of hope

• It emphasizes the theme of love

• It highlights the theme of greed and corruption

• It illustrates the theme of adventure

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

Interpret the significance of the pearl buyers' actions in the story.

• They represent the exploitation of the poor

• They symbolize fairness and justice

• They act as neutral parties

• They encourage Kino's success

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

Steinbeck opens chapter for with a description that relates to maintaining or disrupting the "status quo." The idea of the "status quo" means, "The status quo is the current state of things. If you are rich and admired, then you're probably not interested in disrupting the status quo. Status quo is Latin for "existing state." When we talk about the status quo, however, we often mean it in a slightly bad way." How has Kino disrupted the "status quo", and why do you think the town is on edge  and nervous about it? Choose one answer that is the best based upon what you know of Steinbeck and the novel thus far.

• The town is happy for Kino and hopes that he does well in selling his pearl. 

• The town resents that Kino, whom many think of as an inferior race, is about to improve his wealth and status by selling his pearl.

What does the pearl ultimately come to represent for Kino and his family?

• A curse that brings misfortune

• A blessing that brings wealth

• A symbol of hope and dreams

• A token of love and unity

Tags

DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept