Chapter 20 · The Adventures of Pinocchio

Copywork

It had rained for many days, and the road was so muddy that, at times, Pinocchio sank down almost to his knees. But he kept on bravely.

Read the two sentences aloud. How do you think Pinocchio feels as he walks?

Narration Tell back what happened, from the day Pinocchio left the prison to the moment the trap snapped shut on his legs.

Pinocchio says, “I deserve everything, for I am certainly very stubborn and stupid.” Is he being fair to himself? What makes you think so? Character
Pinocchio, “trying to feel very brave,” speaks to the Serpent in a sweet, soothing voice. Why might he choose a sweet voice? Inference
At first the Serpent is scary. Then Pinocchio lands with his legs in the air. Is the Serpent scene scary, funny, or both? What makes you think so? Tone
Pinocchio is so hungry that he jumps into a field to pick a few grapes. Was that wrong, or understandable? What makes you think so? Moral reasoning
Just before the trap snaps, the author says, “Woe to him!” Why might the author speak up there? Author's choice

Make a Connection Tell about a time you meant to do something right and then found it hard to keep going.

muddy: the road was so muddy that, at times, Pinocchio sank down almost to his knees Covered in or full of wet dirt.
bravely: But he kept on bravely. In a way that shows courage.
tormented: Tormented by the wish to see his father Troubled and pushed by a strong feeling.
stubborn: I am certainly very stubborn and stupid! Not willing to change your mind or listen.
obedient: I’ll try to become a most obedient boy. Doing what you are told.
forgive: will the Fairy ever forgive me for all I have done? To stop being angry at someone for what they did.
terror: As he spoke, he stopped suddenly, frozen with terror. Very great fear.
pangs: the pangs of hunger grew so strong Sudden sharp feelings, such as of hunger.
tempted: a few grapes that tempted him Made to want something you should not take.

Pinocchio sinks almost to his knees in mud, but “he kept on bravely.” Using two details, tell what keeps him going.
Pinocchio thinks the Serpent is dead and starts to step over him. Using two details, tell why he believes it so fast.
Pinocchio is “frozen with terror” when he first sees the Serpent. Using two details, tell what frightens him most.