Juana's Endurance and Wisdom

Traces Juana's role as the practical, resilient heart of the family, who sees the pearl's evil and tries to save her family.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Silent Wife

Juana's Morning The Routine Juana wakes before Kino, tends the fire, and cares for Coyotito. She is quiet, efficient, and strong. Her eyes are always open when Kino awakens. The Ancient Song She sings an ancient song of three notes, part of the family song. She is the anchor of the household.

The Lioness Mother

Juana's Determination Insisting on the Doctor When Coyotito is stung, Juana insists on seeing the doctor. Her eyes are cold as a lioness's. She will do anything for her baby. The Seaweed Poultice When the doctor refuses, she applies a seaweed poultice. She knows it is as good as any remedy, but it lacks authority. She prays for a pearl.

The Pearl's Evil

Juana's Warning The First Plea After the first attack, Juana cries that the pearl is like a sin. She begs Kino to throw it away. She sees the danger clearly. The Woman's Wisdom Juana has the reason, caution, and sense of preservation that Kino lacks. She tries to cut through his manness to save them all.

Attempt to Throw the Pearl

The Secret Mission Juana's Act Juana takes the pearl and goes to the shore to throw it back. Kino catches her, strikes her, and kicks her. She falls among the boulders. The Acceptance Juana does not resist. She knows there is murder in him, and she accepts it. She needs a man, even a half-insane one.

Taking Charge After the Killing

The Dead Man Juana's Decision After Kino kills a man, Juana finds the body. She instantly knows the old life is gone. She abandons the past and takes charge. The Flight She drags the body into the brush, cleans Kino's face, and urges him to flee. Her practicality saves them.

Endurance in Flight

The Journey Juana's Strength Juana carries Coyotito and walks tirelessly. She does not complain. She soothes the baby and keeps him quiet. The Silent Support She follows Kino without question. Her presence gives him strength. She is the rock of the family.

The Keening Mother

Coyotito's Death Juana's Grief When Coyotito is killed, Juana's keening cry rises from the cave. It is the cry of death. The Aftermath She carries her dead son in her shawl, crusted with blood. Her face is hard and lined. She is remote as Heaven.

The Final Refusal

The Pearl Offered Juana's Choice Kino offers the pearl to Juana to throw away. She says, "No, you." She allows him to reclaim his manhood by doing it himself. The Reconciliation They stand side by side, united in grief. Juana's wisdom has prevailed, but at the cost of her son.

Dawn of the first day

Morning of the first day

Late that night

Before dawn of the third day

That night

The following night and day

Evening of the second day

Sunset of the third day