Kino vs. Society

Kino's broader conflict with the oppressive social and economic system that keeps his people in poverty.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Historical Oppression

Four Hundred Years The Legacy Kino's people have been beaten, starved, and robbed for four hundred years. The conflict is systemic. The Defense They have learned only a slight slitting of the eyes and a retirement. Kino's defiance is unprecedented.

The Doctor's Gate

The Refusal The Class Barrier The doctor refuses to treat Coyotito because Kino is poor. The gate is a symbol of the divide. Kino's Rage Kino strikes the gate, but he cannot break through. The system is iron.

The Pearl Buyers' Collusion

The Fixed Market The Syndicate The pearl buyers are a single entity. They set the price. Kino has no power. The Refusal Kino refuses to accept their price. He defies the system, but he is alone.

The Priest's Sermon

The Religious Justification Staying in One's Station The priest preaches that each man must remain at his post. Kino's ambition is against God's will. The Social Control The church reinforces the system. Kino's desire to rise is a sin.

The Violence of the System

The Attack The Dark Ones Kino is attacked by unknown men. The system uses violence to maintain order. The Killing Kino kills a man. He is now a criminal. The system has made him a fugitive.

The Final Defeat

The Return Kino's Surrender Kino throws the pearl back into the sea. He accepts his place in the system. The conflict ends with his defeat. The System Wins The social order remains unchanged. Kino's rebellion has been crushed.

Throughout the story

Morning of the first day

Midday of the selling day

Earlier, as recalled

The second night

After the tragedy