1. Ch. 4-5 Assignments
The Pearl

2. Chapter 4 - Vocabulary
legerdemain p. 48 (n) sleight of hand, a show of skill or deceitful cleverness
collusion p. 50 (n) conspiracy, a secret agreement to defraud someone
countenance p. 42 (v) permit, approve, encourage, support
lethargy p. 55(n) drowsiness, sleepiness, unenergetic, listless, sluggish
stalwart p. 47 (adj) strong, sturdy, robust

3. The Pearl Response Journal
Chapter 4: Before Reading
How would you react if someone tried to cheat you? Would protesting be brave and wise if you knew the reaction might:
- put your life in danger?
- put loved ones at risk?
- disrupt an entire community

4. Chapter 5 -Vocabulary searing p. 62 (v) scorching, burning
edifice p. 63 (n) an elaborate structure; a building of imposing size
keening p. 64 (adj) wailing in lament for the dead

5. Chapter 5: After Reading CHOOSE TWO
1. Describe the personality of the first pearl buyer. What do his coin tricks reveal about him? How are his traits and treatment of Kino similar to the doctor’s?
2. Examine the neighbors’ reaction to Kino’s refusal to sell the pearl. Which of their views do you support: that Kino is foolish and short-sighted to fight the system or that he is brave and right? Explain your answer.
3. Steinbeck defines the nature of men and the nature of women (ch. 5). Given those definitions, explain why it is natural that Juana wants to get rid of the pearl and natural for Kino to fight to retain it.
4. What practical and emotional impact does the destruction of Kino’s boat and house have on his family? What might be the reasoning that prompts such an attack?