Pinocchio Falls Amongst Assassins

Name: Pinocchio Falls Amongst Assassins
Author: Carlo Collodi

The story follows a puppet who embarks on a journey, dismissing warnings about the dangers he may encounter, including assassins. As he travels, he encounters two sinister figures cloaked in charcoal sacks who demand his money or threaten his life. Pinocchio, unable to speak due to the gold coins hidden in his mouth, attempts to communicate his innocence through gestures. The brigands, undeterred, threaten to kill him and his father if he does not comply. In a desperate attempt to protect his treasure, Pinocchio resists their demands. The brigands resort to violence, trying to force his mouth open, but he manages to bite off one of their hands, which surprisingly turns out to be a cat's paw. Seizing the moment, he escapes and runs into the countryside, pursued by the assassins. They chase him relentlessly, but he climbs a tall pine tree to evade them. The brigands attempt to follow but fail, resorting to setting the tree on fire to smoke him out. Pinocchio, facing imminent danger, leaps from the tree and continues his flight. As dawn breaks, he encounters a deep ditch filled with stagnant water. He successfully jumps across, but the assassins misjudge the distance and fall into the ditch. Pinocchio mocks them, believing they are defeated. However, the brigands emerge from the water, still intent on capturing him. The relentless pursuit continues, showcasing Pinocchio's cleverness and resilience in the face of danger. The narrative explores themes of bravery, the consequences of ignoring advice, and the struggle between innocence and malevolence.

By Carlo Collodi · First published 1881 · Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Children's Literature · 1,186 words

First lines

"Really," said the puppet to himself, as he resumed his journey, "how unfortunate we poor boys are. Everybody scolds us and gives us good advice. See now; because I don't choose to listen to that tiresome Cricket, who knows, according to him, how many misfortunes are to happen to me! I am even to meet with assassins! That is, however, of little consequence, for I don't believe in assassins -- I have never believed in them. For me, I think that assassins have been invented purposely by papas to frighten boys who want to go out at night. Besides, supposing I was to come across them here in the road, do you imagine they would frighten me? Not the least in the world. I should go to meet them and cry: ‘Gentlemen assassins, what do you want with me? Remember that with me there is no joking. Therefore go about your business and be quiet! ' At this speech they would run away like the wind. If, however, they were so badly educated as not to run away, why, then I would run away myself and there would be an end of it."

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Pinocchio Falls Amongst Assassins is listed on Textopian as a short story by Carlo Collodi, dated 1881 CE.

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Work type: Short story
Author: Carlo Collodi
Date: 1881 CE
Language: English
Genres: Fantasy, Adventure, Children's Literature, Comedy, Dark Fantasy
Length: 1,186 words
Structure: 1 section, 25 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Fantasy — The story features a puppet with human-like qualities and magical elements, characteristic of the fantasy genre.
Adventure — Pinocchio's journey involves perilous encounters and a quest for survival, typical of adventure narratives.
Children's Literature — The book is aimed at a younger audience, with moral lessons and whimsical characters.
Comedy — The absurd situations and humorous dialogue contribute to a comedic tone throughout the narrative.