How does Juana's reaction to the scorpion show two sides of the Indian culture

Kino and Juana both see the scorpion on the hanging cradle. They freeze and stare at the Scorpion. Kino hears the "song of evil" in his head while Juana softly murmurs protective chants. Juana relies on the nurturing traditions of her culture to protect her baby.

When the narrator says, “kino has wondered often at the iron in his patient, fragile wife,” what is meant ? (Pg. 6-7) what literary term is used ?