Since Steinbeck will use the already established Indian legend of "The Pearl of the World" as a basis for his story, he begins the first chapter with events leading up to the discovery of the great pearl as recorded in Indian folklore. In other words, the main legend begins with the discovery of the pearl and the effects that the discovery has on a young Indian boy. Steinbeck thus begins his novella by introducing us to the type of life that Kino lived before the discovery of the pearl so as to contrast the effects of the discovery on not only himself but also its effects on his entire family.
It is equally important to note that the novel opens at the dawn of a new day — a day that will bring, first, a disaster in the form of the scorpion and then, later in the day, the great discovery of the Pearl of the World. Then, Chapter 6 closes the novel with the end of another day, its focus being three days later with the chastened and saddened Kino and Juana returning to the shores of the Gulf to throw the "evi1" pearl back into the water.
As noted, Steinbeck begins his novel with a simple description of the natural surroundings. It is dawn and the beginning of a new day. Both Kino and his wife arise and go about their usual morning habits. His wife, Juana, prepares the fire, checks on the baby, Coyotito, and makes their meager breakfast while Kino sits and watches the ocean and remembers one of the ancient songs that come from his culture — the Song of the Family. It is a song from the old traditions of his race, and as he remembers the song, he takes pleasure in watching his wife go about her chores. He even watches some ants moving hastily about; in general, "it was a morning like other mornings and yet perfect among mornings."
