Who hasn't seen Pinocchio?
For the sake of this article, I'm going to assume that you've seen the movie or read the book. What may surprise you though is that almost no one, including myself, dug deep enough into the meaning behind the story. Every great story going from Pinocchio to Harry Potter put ablaze the imagination of the masses because they speak directly to the universal foundation of our being.
But have you ever thought about what the Pinocchio story was about?
I sure didn't until I watched a video called: My Message to Millenials: How to Change the World -- Properly. What you are about to read is a short and condensed version of an analysis of what the story mean and the lesson we can take from it as individuals.
I promise, you'll never see that cartoon character the same way if you pay attention to what you are about to read.
The Story is About Self Actualization
The Plot
The story begins with an old wood-carver named Geppetto who carves a wooden puppet named Pinocchio. The puppet is brought to life by a blue fairy, who informs him that he can become a real boy if he proves himself to be "brave, truthful, and unselfish". Pinocchio's efforts to become a real boy involve encounters with a host of unsavory characters. In the end (spoiler alert), he must rescue his father from the belly of the whale, face his darkest fears and make peace with him.
Characters and what they represent
Geppetto in the context of the movie represent what is old, experienced and benevolent. In many ways he represent the best part of "culture". He does not want to die without passing on his insights about life. This is why, he wish upon a star for a boy.
So by a miracle, a star come down in the form of a fairy who grant part of Gepetto's wish. She gave the ability to a puppet to talk, think and move BUT he has to become a real boy by proving himself to be brave, truthful, and unselfish.
The Blue Fairy: You must learn to choose between right and wrong. Pinocchio: Right and wrong? But how will I know? Jiminy Cricket: (watching) How'll he know! The Blue Fairy: (to Pinocchio) Your conscience will tell you. Pinocchio: What are conscience? Jiminy Cricket: What are conscience! I'll tell ya! A conscience is that still small voice that people won't listen to. That's just the trouble with the world today... Pinocchio: Are you my conscience? Jiminy Cricket: Who, me?
Pinocchio is us. In his first state of development he is a puppet controlled by forces beyond himself. He is innocent and has yet to learn to lessons he needs to learn in order to become a fully realized person. His struggles will involve choosing between peer pressure or the council of wise people.
Dangers Along The Way
One of the most significant danger that Pinocchio encounter is represented by the cat and the fox. They talk Pinocchio into believing that he is a victim and that he needs a break to PLEASURE ISLAND.
"And forgetting on the spot all about his father, the new jacket, the spelling-book, and all the good resolutions he had made, he said to the Fox and the Cat: 'Let's get going! I'm coming with you!'"
On PLEASURE ISLAND, the boys can do whatever they please: smoking, drinking alcohol, fighting, wrecking the place and other deeds that good children wouldn't do. On the island they are also free of the law and any adults or teenagers who could stop them from being bad. However, unknown to the boys, Pleasure Island in truth actually serves as a trap. Once the boys had enough time being bad, they would turn into donkeys after they made "jackasses" of themselves to be sold for work in the salt mines.
The warnings about a life of pleasure seeking is quite clear don't you think?
What Pinocchio Must Do
What Pinocchio must do is save his father from the belly of the whale. He must face his greatest fear, go deep in the most terrifying place as possible and make peace with Geppetto, his father.
Conclusion - More Motifs and Symbolism Than I Can Count
I hope I peaked your curiosity enough to make you want to watch this old classic again. Why I believe this message is important is because we all go through the phase where we want to transform society. In some ways it is a good thing because culture need to be updated to meet the time. The issue is that not all transformation of society are good. If there is one lesson from the 20th century is this: changing society by changing the power structure can have catastrophic effects and cost the life of hundreds of millions of people. (Mao's China, Communist Russia, Cambodia, etc.)
Wanting to change the world without changing who we are and make peace with our forefathers is a big mistake. There are lessons and wisdom that should never be forgotten...and that we must embrace in order for civilization to march on.
There is a lot more to be told about Pinocchio but you can dig into this article called: Themes and Motifs of The Story of Pinocchio.
Steem On!
A story full of symbolism but which we refuse to apply to our own behaviors. Strange! Thank you for this reflection.
Wonderful analogy! Upvoted and followed...I see on your page you're a coffee lover. Check www.kickapoocoffee.com It's great, they buy beans from cooperative farmers instead of wholesalers. From one coffee lover to another, great piece!
I agree with your interpretations of the symbols. I have not seen this movie since I was very young, so maybe it's time to watch again, with new eyes.
Thanks, I like this kind of analytical article!
like it, not a bad post. So keep
sweet. this was a creative post. great job followed you
Here is another take on Pinocchio by the same guy (Jordan Peterson) - probably more emotional yet exceptionally genuine.
Especially this moment: when he pauses for a short while at 0:55 to collect his thoughts. For me, this is pure genius talking.