The Adventures of Pinocchio · Chapter
XX: Pinocchio Starts Back to the Fairy’s House explained
Pinocchio, freed from his troubles, joyfully sets out to return to the Fairy's house, determined to reform his disobedient ways.
What happens
Pinocchio, freed from his troubles, joyfully sets out to return to the Fairy's house, determined to reform his disobedient ways. Along the muddy road, he encounters a terrifying serpent that blocks his path; after a tense standoff, the serpent dies from laughter at Pinocchio's clumsy fall. Continuing his journey, Pinocchio is overcome by hunger and attempts to steal grapes from a vineyard, only to be caught in a trap set for polecats.
Themes in this chapter
Obedience and Rebellion
Pinocchio's internal monologue shows his regret for past disobedience and his determination to become orderly and obedient.
Consequences of Bad Companions
Though not directly involving companions, Pinocchio's reflection on his misfortunes implies the negative outcomes of his earlier associations.
Characters to notice
- Pinocchio
Freed and joyful, Pinocchio resolves to become obedient and seeks to reunite with his father and the Fairy.
- The Serpent
A giant green serpent with red eyes and a smoking tail blocks Pinocchio's path, then dies from laughing at the puppet's mishap.
Key passages
“How many misfortunes have happened to me. But I deserved them, for I am an obstinate, passionate puppet. I am always bent upon having my own way, without listening to those who wish me well, and who have a thousand times more sense than I have!”
Pinocchio admits that his troubles are his own fault because he is stubborn and selfish, ignoring the advice of those who care for him.
This moment captures Pinocchio's self-awareness and his resolve to change his ways.
“At the sight of the puppet kicking violently with his head in the mud, the Serpent went into convulsions of laughter, and laughed, and laughed, until he broke a blood-vessel in his chest and died.”
The serpent laughed so hard at Pinocchio's comical fall that it burst a blood vessel and died.
A darkly humorous event that removes the obstacle from Pinocchio's path in an unexpected way.