Background Quiz on 'The Pearl' by John Steinbeck

In what year did Steinbeck set out on a sailing expedition to study marine life in the Gulf of California?

• 1930

• 1940

• 1950

• 1960

Where do the events of "The Pearl" take place?

• On an island in the Pacific Ocean

• In the town of La Paz, Mexico

• In the city of San Francisco, USA

• In the mountains of Peru

What is the significance of the pearl in the novel "The Pearl"?

• It symbolizes wealth and prosperity

• It represents the struggle and misery of the protagonist

• It is a magical object that grants wishes

• It is a family heirloom passed down through generations

What type of novel is "The Pearl" described as?

• A science fiction novel

• A historical novel

• A short novel or novella

• A detective novel

What is the social status of the characters Steinbeck often wrote about?

• Wealthy and powerful

• Middle-class professionals

• Poor and oppressed

• Royalty and nobility

What is the historical background of the Indians of Mexico at the time the story takes place?

• They were the ruling class

• They were under the domination of people of Spanish descent

• They were independent and self-governing

• They were allies with the Spanish

Who is the main character in 'The Pearl'?

• Juana

• Coyotito

• Kino

• Steinbeck

What is the name of Kino's infant son in 'The Pearl'?

• Coyotito

• Juanito

• Pedrito

• Carlito

Which novel by Steinbeck was published in 1937?

• Tortilla Flat

• The Red Pony

• Of Mice and Men

• The Grapes of Wrath

Which novel by Steinbeck was published in 1939?

• Cannery Row

• East of Eden

• The Winter of Our Discontent

• The Grapes of Wrath