The Pearl Summary: Plot, Characters and Ending
The Pearl follows Kino, a poor pearl diver in a Mexican coastal town, who finds a huge, perfect pearl. He believes it will pay for a doctor, his son's education and a better life, but it brings envy, violence and loss, until he throws it back into the sea.
Steinbeck based the novella on a Mexican folk tale.
| Character | Who they are |
|---|---|
| Kino | Young pearl diver |
| Juana | His wise, devoted wife |
| Coyotito | Their baby son |
| The doctor | Greedy town doctor |
| The pearl dealers | Buyers who work together to cheat |
| Juan Tomás | Kino's brother |
How does the story begin?
A scorpion stings baby Coyotito. The doctor in town refuses to treat a poor native family. Desperate, Kino dives for pearls and finds an enormous one, which he calls the Pearl of the World.
↑ Back to the topWhat changes when Kino finds the pearl?
News spreads. Suddenly the doctor visits and gives the baby a powder, which makes him sick so he can cure him. Kino dreams of a proper wedding, a rifle and schooling for his son. That night someone attacks him in the dark. The pearl dealers offer him a tiny sum, pretending the pearl is too large to be valuable. Kino refuses and decides to sell it in the capital.
↑ Back to the topWhy does Juana want to throw it away?
Juana believes the pearl is evil and tries to throw it into the sea. Kino catches her and strikes her. Then attackers ambush him, and he kills one. His canoe is smashed and his house burned. The family flees north toward the mountains.
↑ Back to the topHow does The Pearl end?
Three trackers follow them. Hiding in a cave, Kino creeps down at night to attack them. One fires toward a cry in the cave, thinking it a coyote, and kills Coyotito. Kino kills all three. Kino and Juana walk back into town together, Juana carrying their dead son. At the shore, Kino throws the pearl far into the sea, where it sinks out of sight.
↑ Back to the topMore about The Pearl
This summary reveals the whole plot, including the ending.