The Pearl Theme of The Supernatural

The Pearl argues that events are essentially arbitrary – it just comes down to luck. In the universe of this story, tragedy is explainable, irrational, and unjust. The characters grasp at straws (religion, faith, karma) to justify that which, according to the parable, can not be justified.

1. Does Kino "get what he deserves" at the end of the novel, or is his suffering unjustifiable? What about finding the pearl in the first place – did he "deserve" it?
2. Assume for a moment that we’re right and The Pearl really does reject any notions of divine justice. If that’s true, how does the novel suggest we act in light of this?

The Pearl rejects religion and faith and argues that all events come down to a matter of chance.