Why Is Kino’S Canoe So Important To Him?

In The Pearl, Kino’s canoe holds immense importance as it represents his livelihood, heritage, and ability to provide for his family. Passed down through three generations, the canoe symbolizes the tradition and culture of his ancestors, demonstrating how much Kino values both his ancestry and the ability to provide for his family.

The canoe is Kino’s sole asset in the world, serving as a means of income and a symbol of their cultural identity and connection. It allows him to supplement his income by looking for pearls in deeper water, giving him greater stature in the village. When the canoe is destroyed, Kino is distraught. However, the destruction of the canoe leads directly to Kino’s decision to break with his cultural beliefs.

In Chapter 5, Kino and Juana get into the canoe to find pearl oysters that may pay for the treatment for Coyotito. They dive for pearl oysters, where he thinks of the Song of the Pearl. The canoe symbolizes colonialism and oppression, as it was passed down through three generations.

Kino’s grandfather had been the first to purchase the canoe, making it an heirloom passed on as a source of food. The canoe not only represents his family and their tribal way of living but also serves as a source of food. Without the canoe, Kino cannot feed his family or make money.

The canoe becomes a symbol of greed and the corrupting influence of material possessions. As Kino’s desires grow, so does the danger that comes with it. The canoe is so significant because it was brought to him by his grandfather and is his only possession of value. As long as he has a canoe, he can continue to provide for his family and maintain a connection to his cultural heritage.