The Adventures of Pinocchio · Chapter
XXXIII: Pinocchio Is Trained for the Circus explained
Pinocchio and Candlewick are discovered by the little man who turned them into donkeys.
What happens
Pinocchio and Candlewick are discovered by the little man who turned them into donkeys. He sells them: Candlewick to a peasant, Pinocchio to a circus director. Pinocchio is forced to learn tricks and perform, enduring harsh treatment. After his performance, he is sold again to a man who plans to drown him and make a drum from his skin.
Themes in this chapter
Obedience and Rebellion
Pinocchio's disobedience in not studying leads to his enslavement and harsh training, highlighting the consequences of rebellion against authority.
Education and Labor
Pinocchio's regret for abandoning his studies contrasts with his forced labor in the circus, emphasizing the value of education.
Deception and Gullibility
The little man's deceptive promises lure boys to the Land of Boobies, where they are turned into donkeys and sold, illustrating the theme of gullibility.
Characters to notice
- Pinocchio
Sold to a circus director, forced to learn tricks, and later sold to be drowned and skinned for a drum.
- Candlewick
Sold to a peasant after being turned into a donkey.
- The Fairy
Not directly present, but Pinocchio's regret for not studying contrasts with her earlier guidance.
Key passages
“The wicked little monster, who had a face all milk and honey, made frequent journeys round the world with his coach. As he went along he collected, with promises and flattery, all the idle boys who had taken a dislike to books and school.”
The deceitful man, with a sweet appearance, traveled worldwide in his coach, gathering lazy boys who hated school by using promises and flattery.
Describes the little man's method of luring boys to the Land of Boobies.
“When these poor, deluded boys, from continual play and no study, had become so many little donkeys, he took possession of them with great delight and satisfaction, and carried them off to the fairs and markets to be sold.”
After the boys, through constant play and no learning, turned into donkeys, he happily took them to sell at fairs and markets.
Explains the transformation and exploitation of the boys.
“May my example serve at least as a warning to all disobedient boys who do not want to study. Patience!”
Let my experience be a lesson to all disobedient children who refuse to learn. Endurance!
Pinocchio reflects on his regret for not studying while forced to eat hay.