Chapter 11

The Adventures of Pinocchio

Scouts · 1st–3rd

Copywork

Fire Eater at first remained hard and cold as a piece of ice; but then, little by little, he softened and began to sneeze.

Read the sentence aloud. Which two ideas does the word "but" set side by side?

Discussion

Narration Tell back what happens, from Fire Eater's first sneeze to the night of dancing and singing.

1. After pitying Pinocchio's father, Fire Eater says he ought to be sorry for himself too, since his dinner is spoiled. What does that show about him?Inference

2. Pinocchio says it is not fair for Harlequin to die in his place. Is he being brave, or proud? What makes you think so?Moral reasoning

3. Fire Eater says there are no signori and no sirs here, but at “your Excellency” he sits up straight. Why might that name work?Character

4. The sneezes are written out as “E--tchee!” and Pinocchio says “God bless you!” Is the scene funny or scary? What makes you think so?Tone

5. Fire Eater says “There is no mercy here,” and later says “Pardon is yours!” What changes his mind? What makes you think so?Plot structure

Make a Connection Tell about a time someone who seemed scary turned out to be kind.

Vocabulary

Crossword

1
		2	3	4
5	6

7

Across

Across 1. Stayed the same.
Across 5. Caring about someone's pain.
Across 7. Shake or become unsure.

Down

Down 2. Became gentler.
Down 3. Forgiveness for a wrong.
Down 4. Kindness shown to someone who could be punished.
Down 6. Sharp and loud enough to cut through.

The words in the chapter

remained Fire Eater at first remained hard and cold as a piece of ice
softened little by little, he softened and began to sneeze
waver he felt sorry for him and began first to waver and then to weaken.
hoarse Fire Eater yelled at them in a hoarse voice:

compassionate becoming suddenly kind and compassionate
mercy I beg for mercy
piercing These brave words, said in a piercing voice
pardon Pardon is yours!

Define These Words

hoarse: Rough and scratchy.

Critical thinking

1. Harlequin whispers that the sneeze means Fire Eater feels sorry and Pinocchio is saved. Using two things from the chapter, tell whether Harlequin was right.

2. Fire Eater says Pinocchio's father would suffer terribly if he were used as firewood. Using two things from the chapter, tell what makes Fire Eater feel sorry for people.

3. Fire Eater says “beware the next time, Marionettes,” and the Marionettes dance until dawn. Using two things from the chapter, tell how safe they are.