# XIV: Pinocchio Falls Amongst Assassins explained — The Adventures of Pinocchio

> Chapter companion for The Adventures of Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi.

## What happens

Pinocchio, dismissing the Talking Cricket's warnings about assassins, continues his journey and is attacked by two assassins disguised in charcoal sacks. They demand his money, but he hides the gold coins in his mouth. After a struggle, Pinocchio bites off one assassin's hand, which turns out to be a cat's paw, and escapes. He climbs a pine tree, but the assassins set it on fire, forcing him to jump and flee across fields. He leaps over a ditch, and the assassins fall in but continue the chase.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Gullibility

Pinocchio's disbelief in the existence of assassins, despite warnings, leads him into a trap set by the Fox and Cat in disguise.

### Consequences of Bad Companions

Pinocchio's earlier association with the Fox and Cat results in this violent ambush, highlighting the dangers of trusting deceitful characters.

## Character check-ins

### Pinocchio

Dismisses the Talking Cricket's warnings, hides gold coins in his mouth, bites off an assassin's hand, and escapes through a series of desperate maneuvers.

### The Fox

Implied as one of the assassins; the bitten-off hand becomes a cat's paw, linking to the Cat's identity.

### The Cat

Implied as one of the assassins; the bitten-off hand becomes a cat's paw, revealing the Cat's involvement.

### The Talking Cricket

Referenced by Pinocchio as having warned him about assassins, though the Cricket is not present in the chapter.

## Key lines

> Really, said the puppet to himself, as he resumed his journey, how unfortunate we poor boys are. Everybody scolds us and gives us good advice.

Pinocchio complains that adults always lecture and warn children, feeling sorry for himself as he continues on his way.

_Pinocchio reflects on the constant scolding he receives, dismissing the advice given to him._

> Your money or your life!

The assassins demand that Pinocchio hand over his gold coins or face death.

_The classic threat used by the disguised assassins to intimidate Pinocchio._

> A fine bath to you, gentleman assassins.

Pinocchio mockingly calls out to the assassins after they fall into the ditch, thinking they are defeated.

_Pinocchio taunts his pursuers, but they continue the chase despite the setback._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_adventures_of_pinocchio_se/chapters/xiv-pinocchio-falls-amongst-assassins
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_adventures_of_pinocchio_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_adventures_of_pinocchio_se/chapters