The Adventures of Pinocchio · Chapter
II: Master Cherry Gives the Wood Away explained
Master Cherry gives the talking piece of wood to his neighbor Geppetto, who plans to carve it into a puppet that can dance, fence, and leap.
What happens
Master Cherry gives the talking piece of wood to his neighbor Geppetto, who plans to carve it into a puppet that can dance, fence, and leap. After a quarrel over the name 'Pudding,' the two old men fight, reconcile, and Geppetto takes the wood home, limping after the wood strikes his shins.
Themes in this chapter
Obedience and Rebellion
The piece of wood rebels against Master Cherry and later strikes Geppetto, foreshadowing Pinocchio's disobedience.
Deception and Gullibility
Master Cherry and Geppetto blame each other for the wood's actions, showing how easily they are deceived by appearances.
Characters to notice
- Master Cherry
Gives the piece of wood to Geppetto after a fight and reconciliation.
- Geppetto
Visits Master Cherry to ask for wood to make a puppet; fights over being called 'Pudding' and leaves limping with the wood.
- Pinocchio
The piece of wood, which is destined to become Pinocchio, shakes and strikes Geppetto's shins.
- Pudding
Mentioned as the nickname that angers Geppetto; the voice calls Geppetto 'Pudding' during the argument.
Key passages
“I thought I would make a beautiful wooden puppet; one that could dance, fence, and leap like an acrobat. With this puppet I would travel about the world to earn a piece of bread and a glass of wine.”
Geppetto plans to carve a puppet that can perform acrobatic feats and travel with him to earn his living.
Reveals Geppetto's ambition and the puppet's intended role as a breadwinner.
“Hearing himself called Pudding, Geppetto became as red as a turkey-cock from rage and, turning to the carpenter, he said in a fury: 'Why do you insult me?'”
Geppetto turns red with anger when called 'Pudding' and confronts Master Cherry.
Highlights Geppetto's fiery temper and the insult's power to provoke him.