The Pearl by John Steinbeck: Summary and Key Events

Chapter 1: The Scorpion's Sting

A scorpion stings Coyotito, Kino and Juana's baby.

They seek help from the doctor.

Chapter 2: The Doctor's Refusal

1. Kino and Juana realize their clothes are old, and Juana's shawl has holes.
2. Kino plans to pay the doctor with pearls.
3. The doctor refuses to see Coyotito, claiming to be unavailable. Kino, enraged, punches the gate.

Chapter 3: The Great Pearl

1. A man could secure food with a pearl.
2. Juana prays for Kino to find a pearl.
3. Oysters live in the oyster beds at the bottom of the sea.
4. Kino discovers an enormous pearl, the largest in the world.
5. The pearl's discovery seemingly draws the poison from Coyotito's shoulder.

Chapter 4: Dreams and Fears

1. Everyone desires the pearl, and Kino stands in their way.
2. Kino dreams of marrying Juana in the church, owning a rifle, and sending Coyotito to school.
3. Kino believes the pearl will fulfill his dreams.
4. Kino fears the danger of making plans, sensing impending trouble.

Chapter 5: The Doctor's Deception

1. The doctor, aware of the pearl, offers to help Coyotito, hoping for payment.
2. Despite suspecting the doctor's lies, Kino allows him to treat Coyotito, fearing the consequences of refusal.
3. Juana believes the pearl is evil and will destroy them.
4. Kino intends to sell the pearl.

Chapter 6: The Pearl Buyers

1. The pearl buyers attempt to cheat Kino, offering a low price.
2. Kino decides to sell the pearl in the capital.

Chapter 7: Premonitions and Violence

1. Juan Tomas doubts Kino will find fair buyers in the capital and warns of the unknown dangers.
2. Kino is attacked.
3. Juana urges Kino to destroy the pearl before it destroys them.
4. Kino insists on fighting for their chance.

Chapter 8: Escape and Loss

1. Kino attacks Juana for trying to throw the pearl away.
2. Kino kills a man who attacks him.
3. Someone damages Kino's canoe.
4. Kino and Juana's house is burned down.
5. They seek refuge with Juan Tomas.

Chapter 9: On the Run

1. Juan Tomas sweeps the ground to erase Kino and Juana's tracks.
2. They likely rest during the day due to heat, fatigue, or to avoid being seen.
3. Kino is haunted by the man he killed.
4. Kino thinks of Juana's bruised face.
5. Kino dreams of the doctor who made Coyotito sick.

Chapter 10: The Trackers

1. Trackers are pursuing Kino and his family.
2. One tracker carries a rifle.
3. Kino plans to ambush the horseman, kill him, and take the rifle.
4. Kino knows the trackers will persist.
5. Kino intends to lead the trackers away from Juana and Coyotito.
6. They find a pool of water.
7. Kino anticipates the trackers will reach the pool by evening.

Chapter 11: The Cave and Tragedy

1. Kino, Juana, and Coyotito hide in a cave.
2. Kino decides to confront the trackers.
3. Kino hears Coyotito cry, mistaking it for a wild dog.
4. A cry of death from the cave reveals Juana's anguish and Coyotito's fate.

Chapter 12: The Return

1. Juana carries Coyotito's lifeless body.
2. Kino throws the pearl back into the sea.