Was the story of Kino and Juana a story that was being told to us as something that happened in the past or as the events were unfolding? 2. What does it mean when the people of La Paz say of Kino and Juana, that they “seemed removed from human experience; that they had gone through pain and had come out on the other side; that there was almost a magical protection about them” (p. 88)?

The story of Kino and Juana in "The Pearl" by John Steinbeck is told in the past tense, which suggests that the events have already happened. However, the narrative style is such that the reader experiences the events as they unfold, creating a sense of immediacy and involvement.

When the people of La Paz say that Kino and Juana seemed "removed from human experience; that they had gone through pain and had come out on the other side; that there was almost a magical protection about them", they are expressing their perception of Kino and Juana as having endured great hardship and emerged transformed. This statement suggests that Kino and Juana have experienced such profound suffering that they seem to have transcended ordinary human experience. The reference to "magical protection" could imply that they have gained some form of spiritual strength or resilience through their trials.