The Adventures of Pinocchio · Chapter
II: Master Cherry Gives the Wood Away explained
Master Cherry gives the talking piece of wood to his neighbor Geppetto, who plans to carve it into a puppet that can dance, fence, and leap.
What happens
Master Cherry gives the talking piece of wood to his neighbor Geppetto, who plans to carve it into a puppet that can dance, fence, and leap. After a quarrel over the name 'Pudding,' the two old men fight, reconcile, and Geppetto takes the wood home, limping after the wood strikes his shins.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
The emotional peak occurs when Pinocchio, after being forgiven and offered a loving family with the Fairy, cho…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Obedience and Rebellion
The piece of wood rebels against Master Cherry and later strikes Geppetto, foreshadowing Pinocchio's disobedience.
- Deception and Gullibility
Master Cherry and Geppetto blame each other for the wood's actions, showing how easily they are deceived by appearances.
Characters to notice
- Master Cherry
Gives the piece of wood to Geppetto after a fight and reconciliation.
- Geppetto
Visits Master Cherry to ask for wood to make a puppet; fights over being called 'Pudding' and leaves limping with the wood.
- Pinocchio
The piece of wood, which is destined to become Pinocchio, shakes and strikes Geppetto's shins.
- Pudding
Mentioned as the nickname that angers Geppetto; the voice calls Geppetto 'Pudding' during the argument.
Key passages
“I thought I would make a beautiful wooden puppet; one that could dance, fence, and leap like an acrobat. With this puppet I would travel about the world to earn a piece of bread and a glass of wine.”
Geppetto plans to carve a puppet that can perform acrobatic feats and travel with him to earn his living.
Reveals Geppetto's ambition and the puppet's intended role as a breadwinner.
“Hearing himself called Pudding, Geppetto became as red as a turkey-cock from rage and, turning to the carpenter, he said in a fury: 'Why do you insult me?'”
Geppetto turns red with anger when called 'Pudding' and confronts Master Cherry.
Highlights Geppetto's fiery temper and the insult's power to provoke him.
