two slender, nimble little feet, strong and quick, modeled as if by an artist’s hands.Thin and graceful.
The Adventures of Pinocchio
Chapter 8
Carlo Collodi · Scouts 1st–3rd
Copywork
In less than an hour the feet were finished, two slender, nimble little feet, strong and quick, modeled as if by an artist’s hands.
Read the sentence aloud. Which words describe the feet, and what do they make you picture?
Discussion
Narration Tell back what happens, from Pinocchio asking for new feet to the moment he kisses Geppetto over and over.
- Geppetto answers each promise by saying boys always promise when they want something. Is that fair to Pinocchio? What makes you think so? Moral reasoning
- Pinocchio says, “I am better than all of them and I always tell the truth.” What do you make of him saying that? Character
- Geppetto says, “Close your eyes and sleep!” and glues on the feet while Pinocchio pretends to sleep. Why might he do it that way? Inference
- The author says, “When poverty shows itself, even mischievous boys understand what it means.” Do you think that is true? What in the chapter helps you decide? Theme
- Geppetto says the coat was “too warm” on a cold day. Why might the author have him say something so plainly untrue? Author's choice
Make a Connection Tell about a time someone gave something up for you without making a fuss.
Vocabulary
- slender
- nimble
two slender, nimble little feet, strong and quick, modeled as if by an artist’s hands.
Light and quick on the feet.- appeased
The Marionette, as soon as his hunger was appeased, started to grumble and cry that he wanted a new pair of feet.
Calmed down by being given what was wanted.- mischief
But Mastro Geppetto, in order to punish him for his mischief, let him alone the whole morning.
Naughty behavior.- stern
Geppetto, though trying to look very stern, felt his eyes fill with tears and his heart soften
Strict and serious.- diligently
he set to work diligently.
With steady, careful effort.- grateful
To show you how grateful I am to you, Father, I’ll go to school now.
Thankful.- poverty
When poverty shows itself, even mischievous boys understand what it means.
Having very little money.- restrain
unable to restrain his tears, he jumped on his father’s neck
Hold back.
Critical thinking
- Geppetto lets Pinocchio alone the whole morning before he agrees to make the feet. Using two things from the chapter, tell what he hopes the waiting will do.
- Pinocchio runs to a bowl of water and says, “Now I look like a gentleman.” Using two things from the chapter, tell how Pinocchio feels about the clothes.
- Geppetto jumps up and says, “What does it matter, after all?” Using two things from the chapter, tell what he decides to do.