On page 54, in the second paragraph, Juan Thomas tells Kino, "You have defied not the pearl buyers, but the whole structure, the whole way of life, and I am afraid for you." What does he mean when he says this?

On page 54, in the second paragraph, Juan Thomas tells Kino, "You have defied not the pearl buyers, but the whole structure, the whole way of life, and I am afraid for you." What does he mean when he says this?

Juan Thomas knows that society is structured on a hierarchy where natives like them are at the bottom. Kino demanding to be treated fairly is upsetting this old order of things. The natives expect to be exploited for the pearls they find; it is part of life. Kin challenges these practices that are born out of greed and racism. People, like the pearl sellers, in town will not stand for Kino's insistence for a fair price for his pearl. Kino is in danger.