Juana and Coyotito's Mother-Son Bond
The PearlTraces Juana's fierce maternal love and her desperate efforts to protect Coyotito from the scorpion's poison and the pearl's evil.
increasing
Bearing strength in each event
decreasing
Bearing strength in each eventdecreasingThe Nursing Mother
Juana's Care
The Baby in Her Shawl
Juana takes Coyotito from his hanging box, cleans him, and hammocks him in her shawl. She sings an ancient song.
The Bond
Coyotito is nearly everything in Juana's world. Her love is instinctive and fierce.
The Scorpion Sting
Juana's Response
Sucking the Poison
Juana puts her lips to the wound and sucks hard. She spits and sucks again. She will do anything to save her baby.
The Determination
Her eyes are cold as a lioness's. She insists on seeing the doctor. Her maternal love drives her.
The Seaweed Poultice
The Home Remedy
Juana's Knowledge
When the doctor refuses, Juana applies a seaweed poultice. She knows it is effective, but it lacks authority.
The Prayer
She prays for a pearl to hire the doctor. Her love for Coyotito makes her seek supernatural help.
The Poisoning
Juana's Vigil
Watching the Baby
Juana rocks Coyotito and sings the Song of the Family. She is terrified but calm.
The Mother's Strength
She does not waver. Her love sustains her through the crisis.
The Flight
Carrying the Baby
Juana's Burden
Juana carries Coyotito on her back, covered by her shawl. She soothes him and keeps him quiet.
The Mother's Endurance
She walks tirelessly, despite her own pain. Her love gives her strength.
The Death
The Keening
Juana's Grief
When Coyotito is killed, Juana's cry rises from the cave. It is the cry of death.
The Aftermath
She carries her dead son in her shawl. Her face is hard and lined. The mother's bond is broken.
The Return
The Dead Bundle
Juana's Silence
Juana walks with the body of her son. She is remote as Heaven. Her love has turned to grief.
The Final Act
She refuses to throw the pearl herself. She allows Kino to do it. The mother's bond is forever changed.
Dawn of the first day
Shortly after dawn
Later that morning
Evening of the first day
During the flight
Evening of the second day
Late afternoon of the third day
