The Doctor's Greed and Manipulation

Follows the doctor's calculated actions to exploit Kino's pearl, from refusal to treat to poisoning the baby and attempting theft.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Doctor's Morning Indulgence

The Doctor's Chamber Parisian Memories The doctor sits in his high bed, drinking chocolate from eggshell china. He remembers his time in France, which he considers civilized living. He is fat, lazy, and discontented. The Servant's Announcement A servant reports that a little Indian with a scorpion-stung baby is at the gate. The doctor is annoyed.

Refusal to Treat

The Doctor's Decision No Money, No Cure The doctor asks if Kino has money. When the servant returns with eight seed pearls, the doctor refuses, claiming he is not a veterinary. He sends the servant to say he is out. The Shame The doctor's greed is clear. He values money over a baby's life. This sets the stage for his later manipulation.

Hearing of the Pearl

The News Spreads The Doctor's Interest The doctor hears that Kino has found the Pearl of the World. He immediately thinks of Paris and wine. He decides to visit Kino. The Plan Forms The doctor sees an opportunity. He will pretend to treat the baby and find a way to get the pearl.

Poisoning Coyotito

The Doctor's Visit The False Treatment The doctor goes to Kino's house. He gives Coyotito a capsule of white powder that makes the baby ill. He then returns to give an antidote, making himself look like a savior. The Hidden Motive The doctor's real purpose is to locate the pearl. He watches Kino's eyes flick to the hiding place. He leaves, planning to steal it.

Attempted Theft

The Intruder The Doctor's Agent The doctor sends someone to steal the pearl. The intruder attacks Kino but fails to find the pearl. Kino is wounded. The Doctor's Complicity Though not directly involved, the doctor is responsible. His greed has set the violence in motion.

Doctor's Disappearance from Story

The Doctor's Role Ends No Further Appearance The doctor does not appear again in the narrative. His greed has already done its damage. He remains in his house, dreaming of Paris, while Kino's world collapses. Symbol of Corruption The doctor represents the corrupt, exploitative upper class. His actions trigger the tragedy.

Early morning of the first day

Later that morning

Afternoon of the first day

Evening of the first day

Late that night

After the first night