The Loss of Innocence and the Knowledge of Evil

Traces Kino's journey from a state of innocence, symbolized by the Song of the Family, to a knowledge of evil that destroys him.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The State of Innocence

The Song of the Family Kino's World Kino lives in a world of songs. The Song of the Family is safety, warmth, wholeness. He is innocent of evil. The Morning It is a morning like other mornings, yet perfect among mornings. Innocence is bliss.

The First Knowledge of Evil

The Song of Evil The Scorpion Kino hears the Song of Evil for the first time. The scorpion is the enemy. Evil enters his world. The Loss of Innocence The scorpion sting shatters the perfect morning. Kino now knows danger and fear.

The Pearl's Temptation

The Song of the Pearl The Promise The pearl brings a new song, sweet and secret. It promises a better life. The Corruption The pearl's song merges with the Song of the Family. But it also attracts evil. Kino's innocence is compromised.

The Knowledge of Human Evil

The Doctor's Treachery The Poisoning The doctor poisons Coyotito. Kino learns that people can be evil. The Song of Evil grows louder. The Hardening Kino begins to harden. He becomes suspicious. His innocence is fading.

The Violence Within

Kino Kills The Murder Kino kills a man. He now knows the evil within himself. The Song of Evil is now his own song. The Loss of Self Kino has become what he feared. His innocence is completely lost.

The Final Knowledge

The Pearl's True Face The Ugliness Kino sees the pearl as gray and ulcerous. He sees evil faces. He knows the truth. The Return to Innocence? Kino throws the pearl away. He has gained knowledge of evil, but he cannot return to innocence. The loss is permanent.

Dawn of the first day

Shortly after dawn

After finding the pearl

Evening of the first day

The second night

After Coyotito's death