The Awakening of the Sawhorse explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Creation and Artificial Life

  Tip brings the Sawhorse to life, demonstrating the theme of creating life from inanimate materials, similar to his earlier creation of Jack.

• Wisdom vs. Knowledge

  The Sawhorse's literal-mindedness and lack of understanding highlight the difference between raw existence and learned wisdom.

Characters to notice

• Tip

  Creates and trains the Sawhorse, fashioning ears and teaching it commands; leads the journey toward the Emerald City.

• Jack Pumpkinhead

  Rides the Sawhorse after being helped onto it; provides humorous commentary and suggestions.

• Sawhorse

  Brought to life by Tip; initially confused and earless, later learns to obey commands and carries Jack.

Key passages

• “The Sawhorse, finding himself alive, seemed even more astonished than Tip. He rolled his knotty eyes from side to side, taking a first wondering view of the world in which he had now so important an existence.”

  The Sawhorse was even more amazed than Tip to be alive, gazing around with wide eyes at the new world he now inhabited.

  Describes the Sawhorse's initial wonder at being alive.

• “I don't believe the animal can hear you,' he remarked. 'I shout loud enough, don't I?' answered Tip, angrily. 'Yes; but the horse has no ears,' said the smiling Pumpkinhead.”

  Jack pointed out that the Sawhorse couldn't hear Tip's commands because it had no ears, much to Tip's frustration.

  Jack identifies the Sawhorse's missing ears as the reason for its disobedience.

• “Why don't you make him some ears?' asked Jack. 'Then you can tell him what to do.' 'That's a splendid idea!' said Tip. 'How did you happen to think of it?' 'Why, I didn't think of it,' answered the Pumpkinhead; 'I didn't need to, for it's the simplest and easiest thing to do.'”

  Jack suggested making ears for the Sawhorse so Tip could give it commands, and Tip praised the idea, though Jack insisted it was obvious.

  Jack's simple suggestion solves the communication problem with the Sawhorse.

• “What a strange place this is,' the creature exclaimed, as if amazed. 'What am I doing here, anyway?' 'Why, I've brought you to life,' answered the boy 'but it won't hurt you any, if you mind me and do as I tell you.'”

  The bewildered Sawhorse asked what it was doing there, and Tip explained he had brought it to life and told it to obey him.

  Tip asserts his authority over the newly animated Sawhorse.

• “I'd whistle myself, if I could push my lips together,' remarked Jack. 'I fear, dear father, that in some respects I am sadly lacking.'”

  Jack expressed a wish to whistle but lamented that his pumpkin head lacked the ability to form his lips.

  Jack humorously acknowledges his physical limitations.