Chapter 14 · The Adventures of Pinocchio

Copywork

In desperation the smaller of the two Assassins pulled out a long knife from his pocket, and tried to pry Pinocchio’s mouth open with it.

Read the sentence aloud. What does the Assassin do first, and what does he try to do with it?

Narration Tell back what happens, from Pinocchio walking on alone to the moment he sees the two figures still following him.

Before the Assassins come, Pinocchio says he never believed in them, and tells what he would say if they came. What does that show about him? Character
Pinocchio says everybody scolds boys, gives them advice and warns them. Is he right? What makes you think so? Theme
Pinocchio will not open his mouth, even when the Assassins say they will kill him. Is that brave or stubborn? What makes you think so? Moral reasoning
The hand Pinocchio bites off turns out to be a cat’s paw. What do you make of that? Inference
The chapter ends with two dripping figures still behind Pinocchio. Why might the author stop there? Author's choice

Make a Connection Tell about a time you were warned about something and did not think it would happen.

desperation: In desperation the smaller of the two Assassins pulled out a long knife from his pocket A feeling that you will do anything because you are in great need.
pry: and tried to pry Pinocchio’s mouth open with it. Force something open.
bothersome: Just because I would not listen to that bothersome Cricket Annoying.
misfortunes: who knows how many misfortunes may be awaiting me! Bad luck; troubles.
stubborn: But Pinocchio was as stubborn as ever. Not willing to change or give in.
unmercifully: they pulled him unmercifully from side to side Without any pity.
exhausted: Pinocchio was well-nigh exhausted. Very, very tired.
somber: there were the two somber figures still following him Dark and gloomy.
drenched: their black sacks were drenched and dripping with water Soaking wet.

Pinocchio hides all four gold pieces under his tongue. Using two things from the chapter, tell whether that was a good hiding place.
After they fall in the pool, Pinocchio calls out, “A pleasant bath to you, signori!” Using two things from the chapter, tell whether it was wise to joke.
The Assassins light a fire under the pine tree. Using two things from the chapter, tell why they do not give up.