The Priest's Opportunism
The PearlShows the priest's interest in Kino's pearl and his use of religious authority to maintain the social order.
increasing
Bearing strength in each event
decreasing
Bearing strength in each eventdecreasingPriest Hears the News
The Priest's Garden
Thoughts of Repairs
The priest hears that Kino has found the Pearl of the World. He thinks of necessary repairs to the church. He wonders if he baptized Kino's baby.
The Church's Interest
The priest represents the institutional church, which benefits from the wealth of the poor. He sees the pearl as a potential donation.
Visit to Kino's House
The Priest's Blessing
The Sermon on Station
The priest visits Kino. He speaks of Kino's namesake, a great Father of the Church. He reminds Kino to give thanks to God.
The Subtle Pressure
The priest's words are a benediction but also a reminder of duty. He expects a donation. Kino feels the Song of Evil faintly.
The Father's Sermon
The Annual Sermon
Staying in One's Station
The priest preaches that each man is a soldier sent by God to guard part of the castle. Some are on the ramparts, some in the darkness. They must not run about.
The Message of Submission
This sermon reinforces the social hierarchy. The poor should accept their lot. Kino's ambition to rise is against religion.
Priest's Absence in Crisis
No Further Role
The Priest Disappears
After the initial visit, the priest does not appear again. He does not help Kino or offer comfort. His interest was only in the pearl.
The Church's Complicity
The priest's silence is complicity in the system that oppresses Kino. The church offers no salvation.
Afternoon of the first day
Evening of the first day
Earlier, as recalled by Juan Tomás
After the tragedy
