The Pearl Theme of Primitivity

The Pearl traces the transformation of man from a civilized being to his most primitive form. This change is instigated by the threat of danger. Animalistic instinct takes over, and morality, laws, and order go by the wayside as man faces kill-or-be-killed predicaments.

1. Is Kino justified in killing the trackers because of the extremity of his situation?
2. Why does Kino seem to resort to animalistic behavior, yet Juana doesn’t? Or you could argue that she does, too.
3. Is Kino’s transformation to a more primitive form a sign of his advancement or degeneration?

The Pearl argues that, at his core, man is simply an animal.