The Adventures of Pinocchio · Chapter
XXVIII: Pinocchio Escapes Being Fried Like a Fish explained
Pinocchio narrowly escapes being caught by the mastiff Alidoro by leaping into the sea, but then rescues the drowning dog.
What happens
Pinocchio narrowly escapes being caught by the mastiff Alidoro by leaping into the sea, but then rescues the drowning dog. After swimming to safety, he is caught in a fisherman's net and nearly fried alive, but his pleas and identity as a puppet cause the fisherman to hesitate.
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 Falling action.
- 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
- Redemption and Moral Growth
Pinocchio shows compassion by rescuing Alidoro despite the dog's earlier aggression, demonstrating moral growth.
- Consequences of Bad Companions
Pinocchio laments not going to school and blames his companions for his current peril.
Characters to notice
- Pinocchio
Pinocchio rescues Alidoro from drowning, then is caught in a fisherman's net and nearly fried as a fish.
- Alidoro
Alidoro chases Pinocchio into the sea, nearly drowns, and is rescued by Pinocchio.
- The Fisherman
A green-skinned, monstrous fisherman who catches Pinocchio in his net and prepares to fry him.
Key passages
“How much better it would have been if I had gone to school! I would listen to my companions and now I am paying for it.”
Pinocchio regrets skipping school and blames his bad companions for his dangerous situation.
Pinocchio reflects on his poor choices and the influence of his friends.
“But if I save your life, will you promise to give me no further annoyance, and not to run after me?”
Pinocchio bargains with Alidoro, asking for a promise of safety in exchange for rescue.
Pinocchio shows caution and negotiation skills even while helping an enemy.
