The Black Pearl

Compare and contrast the characters of Ramón and Ruiz. How are they similar and dissimilar? Why might O’Dell have chosen to write them in such a way?

Chart Ramón’s character growth throughout the course of the novel. What are the different catalysts for his growth?

Themes of greed and charity appear within this novel. Why does O’Dell focus on this aspect of La Paz life? Consider the novel’s genre, audience, and tone.

Examine Blas and Ramón’s relationship. In what ways do they represent or subvert stereotypical portrayals of father-son relationships? Consider the relationship Ramón has with his mother in contrast.

Consider the few female characters within the novel. In what ways do they represent stereotypical portrayals of femininity? Provide specific examples from the text to support your answers.

What role does faith play in the lives of the novel’s characters? How does it help develop the novel’s themes?

Consider the novel’s treatment of indigenous characters. How do indigenous myths and communities get sidelined for the sake of Ramón’s characterization and narrative growth? How might O’Dell have written them into the story instead?

The novel remains firmly in Ramón’s perspective for the entire duration of the narrative. How does his subjective point of view and his occasional use of second person affect our understanding of the events in the novel?