Tuesday, February 13, 2018

Analyze the character of Juana in the novel. What quotes illustrate her character?

I believe that this question is asking about Juana from John Steinbeck's novel The Pearl.  
Juana is Kino's wife.  One thing to note about Juana is that she is both physically and emotionally strong.  She might frequently submit to Kino's will and wishes, but that doesn't make her weak.  The narrator alerts readers to this character trait of Juana's early in the book. 

Kino had wondered often at the iron in his patient, fragile wife. She, who was obedient and respectful and cheerful and patient, she could arch her back in child pain with hardly a cry. She could stand fatigue and hunger almost better than Kino himself. In the canoe she was like a strong man.

Like Kino, Juana is also susceptible to greed; however, she is also much more aware of the dangers of that greed.  That's why she tries to sneak out and throw the pearl away.  She realizes that things will be better for her family if they stay the same.  She sees what the greed and the pearl are doing to her husband.  

It meant that he [Kino] was half insane and half god. It meant that Kino would drive his strength against a mountain and plunge his strength against the sea. Juana, in her woman's soul, knew that the mountain would stand while the man broke himself; that the sea would surge while the man drowned in it. And yet it was this thing that made him a man, half insane and half god. 

The realization of how dangerous the pearl is and the greed that comes with it are evidence of how intuitive and wise Juana is.  Her attempt to throw it away is evidence of her commitment to keeping her family whole, because the attempt earns her a severe beating from Kino.  
I also think that Juana is brave.  She's brave to stand up to her husband knowing that he has some rage issues.  She's also brave to stand up to her husband because it goes against the traditional gender roles that prevail in the story's setting.  Finally, Juana is brave to stay with Kino in the face of danger.  In the final chapter, Juana refuses to stay behind.  She knows that she and the baby will be safer if they do not go with Kino, but she demands that she stay by his side.  Her bravery gives strength to Kino.

"You will put the little one in more danger if you go with me."
"No," said Juana.
"You must. It is the wise thing and it is my wish," he said.
"No," said Juana.
He looked then for weakness in her face, for fear or irresolution, and there was none. Her eyes were very bright. He shrugged his shoulders helplessly then, but he had taken strength from her. When they moved on it was no longer panic flight.

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