The Pearl Gender Quotes

How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #1

When Kino had finished, Juana came back to the fire and ate her breakfast. (1.11)

Juana wakes up before Kino, makes him breakfast, and eats after him. Don’t know about you, but we’re sensing some serious subservience going on.

Quote #2

Kino had wondered often at the iron in his patient, fragile wife. She, who was obedient and respectful and cheerful and patient, she could arch her back in child pain with hardly a cry. She could stand fatigue and hunger almost better than Kino himself. In the canoe she was like a strong man. (1.22)

Kino draws his strength from his wife.

Quote #3

Kino looked into his pearl, and Juana cast her eyelashes down and arranged her shawl to cover her face so that her excitement could not be seen. (3.9)

Juana is forced to conceal and contain, even in front of her husband, whereas Kino is allowed to be outward with his emotions and desires.