The scorpion is a figure of pure evil, whose sole function in the novel is to do harm to the most innocent and powerless character, Coyotito. The scorpion symbolizes the evil that is found in nature, which is seemingly arbitrary and unmotivated, in contrast to the evil that is found in mankind, which is generally the result of selfish desire and greed.
The Scorpion Quotes in The Pearl
The The Pearl quotes below all refer to the symbol of The Scorpion. For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:
).
Chapter 2
Quotes
She gathered some brown seaweed and made a flat damp poultice of it, and this she applied to the baby’s swollen shoulder, which was as good a remedy as any and probably better than the doctor could have done. But the remedy lacked his authority because it was simple and didn’t cost anything.
Related Characters:
Juana, Coyotito, The doctor
Related Symbols:
The Scorpion
Related Themes:
Page Number and Citation:
Explanation and Analysis:
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The Scorpion Symbol Timeline in The Pearl
The timeline below shows where the symbol The Scorpion appears in The Pearl. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 1
...a movement from Coyotito’s hanging box and turn their heads to determine its source: a scorpion is climbing slowly down the rope of the hanging box, toward Coyotito.
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As the scorpion moves further down the rope, Juana prays in a whisper, an ancient prayer as well...
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Kino is reaching for the scorpion when it freezes in place and flicks its tail. Coyotito then laughs and shakes the...
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From Coyotito’s shoulder, Kino takes the scorpion and squashes it angrily. Juana, meanwhile, tries to suck the poison out of Coyotito’s shoulder....
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...the brush house at the sound of the baby’s cries. They all know that a scorpion bite can easily kill a baby, if sufficient poison has seeped in.
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When the servant tells the doctor about Kino and Juana, and Coyotito’s scorpion bite, the doctor becomes angry, insulted by the notion that he would deign to “cure...
(full context)
