The Cycle of Poverty and Oppression

Shows how the social and economic system traps Kino and his people in a cycle of poverty that the pearl cannot break.

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The Historical Context

Four Hundred Years The Legacy of Oppression Kino's people have been beaten, starved, and robbed for four hundred years. The cycle of poverty is entrenched. The Defense They have learned only a slight slitting of the eyes and a retirement. They cannot break the cycle.

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. The Helplessness Kino cannot force the doctor. He is trapped by his poverty.

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 Exploitation The system is designed to exploit the poor. Kino's pearl is worth a fortune, but he cannot get a fair price.

The Priest's Sermon

The Religious Justification Staying in One's Station The priest preaches that each man must remain at his post. The poor should accept their lot. The Cycle Reinforced The church reinforces the cycle of poverty. Kino's ambition 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 cycle of poverty leads to violence.

The Return to Poverty

Throwing the Pearl Kino's Surrender Kino throws the pearl back into the sea. He returns to poverty. The cycle continues. The System Wins The social order remains unchanged. Kino's rebellion has been crushed. The cycle of oppression is unbroken.

Throughout the story

Morning of the first day

Midday of the selling day

Earlier, as recalled

The second night

Sunset of the third day