Adventures of Pinocchio By Carlo Collodi
Adventures of Pinocchio
By Carlo Collodi
Book Excerpt
rionette and, what is much worse, you have a wooden head."
At these last words, Pinocchio jumped up in a fury, took a hammer from the bench, and threw it with all his strength at the Talking Cricket. Perhaps he did not think he would strike it. But, sad to relate, my dear children, he did hit the Cricket, straight on its head. With a last weak "cri-cri-cri" the poor Cricket fell from the wall, dead! Pinocchio is hungry and looks for an egg to cook himself an omelet; but, to his surprise, the omelet flies out of the window.
If the Cricket's death scared Pinocchio at all, it was only for a very few moments. For, as night came on, a queer, empty feeling at the pit of his stomach reminded the Marionette that he had eaten nothing as yet.
A boy's appetite grows very fast, and in a few moments the queer, empty feeling had become hunger, and the hunger grew bigger and bigger, until soon he was as ravenous as a bear.
"The Adventures of Pinocchio" by Carlo Collodi is a classic children's novel that tells the story of a wooden puppet named Pinocchio and his journey to become a real boy. Here's a brief overview of the book:
1. **Plot Summary**: The story begins with a woodcarver named Geppetto who carves a puppet out of wood. To his surprise, the puppet begins to talk and move like a real boy. Geppetto names him Pinocchio and wishes for him to become a real boy someday.
2. **Adventures**: Pinocchio is mischievous and often gets into trouble. Throughout the story, he encounters various characters such as the Talking Cricket, the Blue Fairy, the Fox and the Cat, and the puppet master Mangiafuoco. Each encounter teaches Pinocchio valuable lessons about honesty, bravery, and kindness.
3. **Themes**: The book explores themes such as the importance of truthfulness, the consequences of disobedience, and the transformation from a puppet into a responsible human being. Pinocchio learns that being good and honest are essential qualities for becoming a real boy.
4. **Symbolism**: Pinocchio's nose grows longer whenever he tells a lie, which has become a famous symbol in popular culture. It represents the consequences of dishonesty and serves as a moral lesson for children.
5. **Endings**: In the original story, Pinocchio undergoes numerous trials and tribulations before finally proving himself worthy of becoming a real boy. His transformation is not just physical but also moral, as he learns to make selfless choices and value others above himself.
Overall, "The Adventures of Pinocchio" is a timeless tale that continues to captivate readers with its whimsical characters, fantastical adventures, and enduring moral lessons.