Kino's canoe is described as the one thing that guarantees a man can feed his family; it is his legacy and his livelihood. When the canoe is destroyed by those envious of the pearl, it is an attack on Kino's very identity. This act of vandalism strikes a chord with readers who understand the value of work and heritage. Literature circles discussing this book often utilize the pearl pdf to read these specific passages aloud. The destruction of the canoe symbolizes the total alienation of Kino from his community and his past, forcing him onto a path from which there is no return.