2. Using the details from the novel that you have studied, write about:

• The character that you like
• Give reason and instances which show the characteristics you like
  
  The novel that I have studied is “The Pearl” by John Steinbeck. This novel is based on an Indian folktale that he heard. The story took place in a town of native Mexican, India called La Paz. The villagers are fishing folks who make a living selling fish that they catch and pearls that they dive for in the sea. Kino and his wife, Juana are the main characters in this novel. However the character that I like is Juana. She is Kino’s devoted wife and a loving mother to Coyotito, their baby son. Her neighbours say that she is a good wife. Although poor, she is still a contented woman.
  I am deeply moved by her maternal instincts. When her son, Coyotito is stung by scorpion, she instinctively “put her lips down over the puncture and sucked” (page 6). She protects her son from danger instead of twice about her own safety. Her love for her son and family in fact prompts her to make the extraordinary suggestion that she insists that Coyotito should get the best treatment within reach. She wants to take him to doctor in town. She is determined to save the baby’s life at all costs. She does not let the thought of money, prejudice or social status to stop her. This shows the strong bond between Juana and her son. All of the above shows the sacrifices that only a mother would make.
  The other reason why I like Juana is her rational thinking. She knows that the pearl will bring nothing but evil and so she begs Kino to throw it back to the sea. When Kino refuses to throw the pear back, she realises that he is deeply controlled by the pearl to the extent that he is not able to think straight or to help himself. With recognising the bad influence of the pearl and knowing that the pearl is a threat to their contented family life, so she wants Kino to get rid of the pearl, but Kino considers it is answer to their dreams. They will have a wedding, give Coyotito education and live decently. Rich people who always look down on them, like the doctor will finally treat them with respect. Therefore, Juana decides to do it herself. She shows strength and determination as she knows that Kino will be furious with her when he finds out her plan. She is prepared to accept the consequence of her action because she believes that throwing the pearl back into the sea will save her family. She is indeed a brave woman who will fiercely protect her family. This shows that she is able to make her own decisions rationally and she does not rely fully on her husband, Kino but also on her instinct.
  Juana’s loyalty is also admirable. She stays with Kino through good and bad times. She is truly devoted to Kino. Although Kino kicked and punched her when she tries to throw the pearl away, she readily forgives him and holds no grudges. She just “stared at him with wide unfrightened eyes, like a sheep before butcher” (page 58). Moreover, when Kino kills a man who tries to steal his pearl, she instantaneously lets go of her traditional life and willingly escapes to the mountains with Kino. At there, when Kino tells her that he will have to kill the tracker, she does not protest but instead give him her whole-hearted even when his foolishness contributes to getting her precious baby killed. I feel that Juana is truly devoted to Kino and her family.
  In a nutshell, Juana is truly a woman of incredible substance who deserves my utmost respect and admiration. I truly admire her for her maternal instincts, rational thinking and her loyalty.
  Written by :
  Lee Peiting