Chapter 14

The Adventures of Pinocchio

Scouts · 1st–3rd

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?

Discussion

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

1. 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

2. Pinocchio says everybody scolds boys, gives them advice and warns them. Is he right? What makes you think so?Theme

3. 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

4. The hand Pinocchio bites off turns out to be a cat’s paw. What do you make of that?Inference

5. 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.

Vocabulary

Crossword

1		2

3

4		5


				6

		7	8








	9

Across

Across 1. A feeling that you will do anything because you are in great need.
Across 4. Without any pity.
Across 7. Dark and gloomy.
Across 9. Annoying.

Down

Down 2. Force something open.
Down 3. Not willing to change or give in.
Down 5. Very, very tired.
Down 6. Soaking wet.
Down 8. Bad luck; troubles.

The words in the chapter

desperation In desperation the smaller of the two Assassins pulled out a long knife from his pocket
pry and tried to pry Pinocchio’s mouth open with it.
bothersome Just because I would not listen to that bothersome Cricket
misfortunes who knows how many misfortunes may be awaiting me!
stubborn But Pinocchio was as stubborn as ever.

unmercifully they pulled him unmercifully from side to side
exhausted Pinocchio was well-nigh exhausted.
somber there were the two somber figures still following him
drenched their black sacks were drenched and dripping with water

Critical thinking

1. Pinocchio hides all four gold pieces under his tongue. Using two things from the chapter, tell whether that was a good hiding place.

2. 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.

3. The Assassins light a fire under the pine tree. Using two things from the chapter, tell why they do not give up.