From what I remember of the Walt Disney animated film Pinocchio, this original version is comparable to how the Brothers
Grimm might treat the material. It's a dark fable, a fable because of its cautionary lessons and its supernatural elements, including talking animals. Pinocchio is a
mischievous urchin fast approaching that of a reprobate. Not until he
faces potential death (which he does in nearly every chapter) does he
appear mildly remorseful, and that remorse is short lived as yet
another temptation appears which, again, distracts him from the
sagacity of his elders.
Despite
the darker tone, this story is still amusing and fun. I
caught myself smiling throughout and even chuckling quite a few times. An intermittent, interactive quality abounds. We've all probably experienced those stories in which the author
stops his narrative to flatter us, calling us his “gentle reader”
or his “dear reader.” Something along the lines of “As it
happened, dear reader, Sally sold those sea shells to the stentorian
steer for seven silver smackaroos” or some such. But I've never
read anything quite like this. One can see the crowd of children gathered round the
animated adult, their small hands clenched, eyes wide, mouths agape,
as she reads aloud and gesticulates.
Everyone,
at one time or another, has found some surprise awaiting him. Of the
kind which Pinocchio had on that eventful morning of his life, there
are but few. What was it? I will tell you, my dear little readers. On
awakening, Pinocchio put his hand up to his head, and there he found
–
Guess!
He
found that, during the night, his ears had grown at least ten full
inches!
I
couldn't help but grin at these delightful moments. At the same time,
the tale could double as a sermon to wayward boys, since Pinocchio is
constantly warned against sloth and disobedience and, sure enough,
encounters trouble whenever he chooses vices over virtues. Then, while either dying of starvation or imprisoned, wallowing in
despair and self-rebuke, he's reminded of his selfishness by some
tradesman or talking animal, cautioning him of the hazards of
ignoring the creeds of those who themselves have learned the hard way
the lessons they seek to impress upon him. A cautionary, but
adventuresome, tale, to be sure, full of both high jinks and
endearment. Four out of five stars. Rated G
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