'THE PEARL' by John Steinbeck - Chapter 2

Summary
The second chapter opens with a description of the natural world that Kino inhabits. There are crabs, lobsters, eels, sea horses, and poison fish in the gulf waters. Pigs and dogs wander on the beach in search of food. It is a world resplendent in beauty; but it is also an environment where only the fittest survive.
After leaving the doctor's house, Kino and Juana walk slowly to the beach. Kino strokes his canoe, which is his symbol of security. The canoe has been passed down from his grandfather to his father before him, and it provides him the means of supporting his family. It is his most prized possession. Juana places Coyotito on a blanket in the canoe. She then wades into the water, gathers some brown seaweed, makes a damp poultice from it, and applies it to the baby's shoulder. Then, Kino and Juana slide the canoe into the water and paddle to an oyster bed. Kino, who is weighted down with a stone, starts diving in search of pearls. Kino selects a few large shells. He then notices a very large oyster, which, before it closes down, reveals a pale, ghostly gleam. Kino picks it up and surfaces. In Juana's presence, he opens the smaller oysters before opening the large one. As he pries open the large oyster, he finds inside a great pearl, "perfect as the moon, as big as a seagull's egg." Its iridescence, shape, size, and sheer beauty make both Kino and Juana hold their breaths. They know it is the most perfect pearl in the world. At the same moment, Juana looks at the baby and notices that the swelling has subsided. Kino's emotions overflow; he lets out a joyous shout, which makes the other pearl divers race towards him

by : Puan Zariah bt. Zainal