Kino is determined that somehow he will triumph over poverty and ignorance.

The hopes that Kino has for the future include an education for his son Coytito so that he can rise above the oppression of the white race. The sale of the pearl, even for a small price, would raise him above the poverty he has always lived with. His marriage to Juana in the church would also give him a certain status that many of his race do not have. By securing an education for his son, a rifle which shows a certain power, and doing things which represent upward movement to those around him, he would, in fact rise above his poverty and the ignorance of those around him.

Kino's determination in evident throughout the story. He's not the best of the pearl divers, but his persistence and desire for a better life see him through. When he finds the pearl, Kino begins to think about all the things he can do for his family, and he determines that their luck has changed. The pearl will change their lives.

Kino's determination doesn't wane, even after he meets with the pearl buyers.

He doesn't buckle and allow them to have the pearl for the low price they offer, and he is then determined to travel to the city and seek other buyers. He protects the pearl at the expense of his family and determines that he will fight for it no matter what happens....... his word is obviously good because he administers quite a beating to Juana when she seeks to steal it away and throw it back into the ocean. One of the trackers experiences his sense of determination to protect both the pearl and his family when he kills him on the dark path.

Kino never realizes his desire to triumph over poverty and ignorance. His son will never have the education he dreamed of, but Kino himself would learn important lessons about life, people, and the fact that true riches are found in the heart of the family.......