The Assassins Hang Pinocchio to the Big Oak

Name: The Assassins Hang Pinocchio to the Big Oak
Author: Carlo Collodi

In a dark forest, a puppet named Pinocchio finds himself pursued by two assassins intent on capturing him. Desperate for safety, he spots a small white house and races towards it, hoping to escape. Upon arrival, he knocks frantically, but receives no response. A ghostly child with blue hair appears at the window, revealing that everyone inside is dead, including herself. She informs him that she is waiting for her bier, and then vanishes, leaving Pinocchio alone and vulnerable. The assassins catch up to him, threatening to force him to open his mouth. When they attempt to stab him, their knives break against his hard wooden body. Frustrated, they decide to hang him from a tree called the Big Oak. They tie his arms, place a noose around his neck, and leave him to die, mocking him as they walk away. As Pinocchio hangs, a fierce wind begins to blow, causing him to swing violently. He struggles for breath, feeling death approaching. In his final moments, he recalls his father and cries out for him, but no help arrives. Overcome by the noose, he loses consciousness, hanging lifelessly from the tree.

By Carlo Collodi · First published 1881 · Genre: Fantasy, Children's Literature, Adventure · 901 words

First lines

At this sight the puppet's courage failed him and he was on the point of throwing himself on the ground and giving himself over for lost. Turning, however, his eyes in every direction, he saw, at some distance, a small house as white as snow.

"If only I had breath to reach that house," he said to himself, "perhaps I should be saved."

What this Textopian page supports

The Assassins Hang Pinocchio to the Big Oak is listed on Textopian as a short story by Carlo Collodi, dated 1881 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Short story
Author: Carlo Collodi
Date: 1881 CE
Language: English
Genres: Fantasy, Children's Literature, Adventure, Dark Fantasy, Fable
Length: 901 words
Structure: 1 section, 31 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Work identity for The Assassins Hang Pinocchio to the Big Oak by Carlo Collodi
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Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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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, typical of the fantasy genre.
Children's Literature — The narrative is aimed at a younger audience, with moral lessons and whimsical characters.
Adventure — The plot involves a perilous journey and the protagonist's struggle for survival against threats.
Dark Fantasy — The presence of assassins, themes of death, and a grim atmosphere contribute to a darker tone.