# XX: Pinocchio Starts Back to the Fairy’s House explained — The Adventures of Pinocchio

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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