THE "LAND of BOOBIES
by Carlo Collodi · from Pinocchio: The Tale of a Puppet
Adapted Version
Pinocchio was a little puppet boy. He lived with The Fairy. The Fairy had a job for him. "Go invite your friends," she said. "Come home before dark." Pinocchio was happy. "I will be back very fast," he said. He promised The Fairy.
The Fairy looked at Pinocchio. "Boys must keep their word," she said. The Fairy warned him. Pinocchio said he was good. "I will keep my word." "We will see," she said.
Pinocchio invited all his friends. They were happy for breakfast. Then Pinocchio looked for Romeo. Romeo was his best friend. But Romeo was not at home. Pinocchio looked for him all around. Do you know what he did? He looked and looked.
At last, Pinocchio found Romeo. Romeo was hiding behind a house. "What are you doing?" Pinocchio asked. Romeo smiled a big smile. "I wait for a coach," Romeo said. "It goes to Play Land." Pinocchio surprised.
"Play Land is the best," Romeo said. "No school there. No teachers. Only play, play, play!" Romeo's eyes shone bright. "Each day is a fun day. You play from morning to night. It is so much fun!" Pinocchio listened well.
Pinocchio shook his head. "No, no, no," he said. "I cannot go. I promised The Fairy. I must be a good boy. I must keep my word. I must go home now."
"Wait, Pinocchio," Romeo said. "Just two minutes more." "The Fairy will scold you. She will stop soon." Romeo laughed. "Come to the Play Land. It is so much fun. Forget about school." Pinocchio thought about it.
"No school?" Pinocchio asked. "Really, no school?" "Never," Romeo said. "No studying ever." "And long fun days?" Pinocchio asked. "Yes! All year long," Romeo said. His eyes grew wide. It sounded so good.
The sun went down. It got dark outside. Pinocchio should go home. He promised The Fairy. But Pinocchio stayed with Romeo. He thought only of the Play Land. No school, just play. He forgot his promise.
Then a big coach came. It had many boys inside. "Here it is!" Romeo shouted. "Come, Pinocchio! Come to the Play Land!" Pinocchio looked at the coach. He looked at Romeo. He forgot his promise. Pinocchio jumped into the coach! Off they went to the Play Land. Pinocchio did not go home.
Original Story
THE "LAND OF BOOBIES"
Pinocchio, as was natural, asked the Fairy's permission to go round the town to give out the invitations, and the Fairy said to him:
"Go, if you like, and invite your companions for the breakfast tomorrow, but remember to return home before dark. Have you understood?"
"I promise to be back in an hour," answered the puppet.
"Take care, Pinocchio! Boys are always very ready to promise, but generally they are little given to keep their word."
"But I am not like other boys. When I say a thing, I do it."
"We shall see. If you are disobedient, so much the worse for you."
"Why?"
"Because boys who do not listen to the advice of those who know more than they do always meet with some misfortune or other."
"I have experienced that," said Pinocchio, "but I shall never make that mistake again."
"We shall see if that is true."
Without saying more the puppet took leave of his good Fairy, who was like a mamma to him, and went out of the house singing and dancing.
In less than an hour all his friends were invited. Some accepted at once heartily; others at first required pressing; but when they heard that the rolls to be eaten with the coffee were to be buttered on both sides they ended by saying:
"We will come also, to do you a pleasure."
Now I must tell you that amongst Pinocchio's friends and school-fellows there was one that he greatly preferred and was very fond of. This boy's name was Romeo, but he always went by the nickname of Candlewick, because he was so thin, straight and bright, like the new wick of a little nightlight.
Candlewick was the laziest and the naughtiest boy in the school, but Pinocchio was devoted to him. He had indeed gone at once to his house to invite him to the breakfast, but he had not found him. He returned a second time, but Candlewick was not there. He went a third time, but it was in vain. Where could he search for him? He looked here, there, and everywhere, and at last he saw him hiding on the porch of a peasant's cottage.
"What are you doing there?" asked Pinocchio, coming up to him.
"I am waiting for midnight, to start away."
"And where are you going?"
"I am going to live in a country—the most delightful country in the world: a real land of sweetmeats!"
"And what is it called?"
"It is called the 'Land of Boobies.' Why do you not come, too?"
"I? No, never!"
"You are wrong, Pinocchio. If you do not come you will repent it. Where could you find a better country for us boys? There are no schools there; there are no masters; there are no books. In that delightful land nobody ever studies. On Saturday there is never school, and every week consists of six Saturdays and one Sunday. Only think, the autumn holidays begin on the first of January and finish on the last day of December. That is the country for me! That is what all civilized countries should be like!"
"But how are the days spent in the 'Land of Boobies'?"
They are spent in play and amusement from morning till night. When night comes you go to bed, and recommence the same life in the morning. What do you think of it?"
"Hum!" said Pinocchio, and he shook his head slightly, as much as to say, "That is a life that I also would willingly lead."
"Well, will you go with me? Yes or no? Resolve quickly."
"No, no, no, and again no. I promised my good Fairy to become a well conducted boy, and I will keep my word. And as I see that the sun is setting I must leave you at once and run away. Good-bye, and a pleasant journey to you."
"Where are you rushing off to in such a hurry?"
"Home. My good Fairy wishes me to be back before dark."
"Wait another two minutes."
"It will make me too late."
"Only two minutes."
"And if the Fairy scolds me?"
"Let her scold. When she has scolded well she will hold her tongue," said that rascal Candlewick.
"And what are you going to do? Are you going alone or with companions?"
"Alone? Indeed not, there will be more than a hundred boys."
"And do you make the journey on foot?"
"A coach will pass by shortly which is to take me to that happy country."
"What would I not give for the coach to pass by now!"
"Why?"
"That I might see you all start together."
"Stay here a little longer and you will see us."
"No, no, I must go home."
"Wait another two minutes."
"I have already delayed too long. The Fairy will be anxious about me."
"Poor Fairy! Is she afraid that the bats will eat you?"
"But now," continued Pinocchio, "are you really certain that there are no schools in that country?"
"Not even the shadow of one."
"And no masters either?"
"Not one."
"And no one is ever made to study?"
"Never, never, never!"
"What a delightful country!" said Pinocchio, his mouth watering. "What a delightful country! I have never been there, but I can quite imagine it."
"Why will you not come also?"
"It is useless to tempt me. I promised my good Fairy to become a sensible boy, and I will not break my word."
"Good-bye, then, and give my compliments to all the boys at school, if you meet them in the street."
"Good-bye, Candlewick; a pleasant journey to you; amuse yourself, and think sometimes of your friends."
Thus saying, the puppet made two steps to go, but then stopped, and, turning to his friend, he inquired:
"But are you quite certain that in that country all the weeks consist of six Saturdays and one Sunday?"
"Most certainly."
"But do you know for certain that the holidays begin on the first of January and finish on the last day of December?"
"Assuredly."
"What a delightful country!" repeated Pinocchio, looking enchanted. Then, with a resolute air, he added in a great hurry:
"This time really good-bye, and a pleasant journey to you."
"Good-bye."
"When do you start?"
"Shortly."
"What a pity! If really it wanted only an hour to the time of your start, I should almost be tempted to wait."
"And the Fairy?"
"It is already late. If I return home an hour sooner or later it will be all the same."
"Poor Pinocchio! And if the Fairy scolds you?"
"I must have patience! I will let her scold. When she has scolded well she will hold her tongue."
In the meantime night had come on and it was quite dark. Suddenly they saw in the distance a small light moving and they heard a noise of talking, and the sound of a trumpet, but so small and feeble that it resembled the hum of a mosquito.
"Here it is!" shouted Candlewick, jumping to his feet.
"What is it?" asked Pinocchio in a whisper.
"It is the coach coming to take me. Now will you come, yes or no?"
"But is it really true," asked the puppet, "that in that country boys are never obliged to study?"
"Never, never, never!"
"What a delightful country! What a delightful country! What a delightful country!"
CHAPTER XXXI
Story DNA
Moral
Ignoring good advice and succumbing to temptation for immediate gratification often leads to regret and misfortune.
Plot Summary
Pinocchio, having promised his Fairy to be good and return home before dark, encounters his lazy friend Candlewick. Candlewick tempts Pinocchio with tales of the 'Land of Boobies,' a place with no schools, no masters, and endless play. Despite his initial resolve and the Fairy's warnings, Pinocchio's desire for idleness grows. As night falls and the coach to this fantastical land arrives, Pinocchio succumbs to temptation, breaking his promise and joining Candlewick on the journey.
Themes
Emotional Arc
resolve to temptation to regret
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
Collodi's Pinocchio often reflects 19th-century Italian societal values regarding education, work ethic, and moral conduct for children.
Plot Beats (10)
- Pinocchio receives permission from the Fairy to invite friends for breakfast, promising to return before dark.
- The Fairy warns Pinocchio about the dangers of disobedience and breaking promises.
- Pinocchio invites his friends, then searches for his favorite, Candlewick, a notoriously lazy boy.
- Pinocchio finds Candlewick hiding, waiting for a coach to take him to the 'Land of Boobies'.
- Candlewick describes the 'Land of Boobies' as a place with no school, no masters, and endless play and holidays.
- Pinocchio initially refuses, citing his promise to the Fairy to become a well-behaved boy.
- Candlewick continues to tempt Pinocchio, dismissing the Fairy's scolding and emphasizing the delights of the land.
- Pinocchio's resolve wavers as he repeatedly asks for confirmation about the lack of study and the extended holidays.
- As night falls, Pinocchio delays his return home, increasingly enchanted by the idea of the 'Land of Boobies'.
- The coach arrives, and Pinocchio, overcome by temptation, decides to join Candlewick on the journey to the 'Land of Boobies'.
Characters
Pinocchio ★ protagonist
A small, wooden puppet, carved from pine. He is slender and has articulated joints. His most distinguishing feature is his nose, which is currently of a normal size but is known to grow when he tells lies.
Attire: Simple, peasant-style clothing typical of 19th-century Tuscany: a short, light-colored tunic, likely made of coarse linen, and breeches. He might wear a small, conical cap or a simple kerchief.
Wants: To become a real boy and to please his Fairy, but he is constantly pulled by the desire for immediate gratification and fun.
Flaw: His susceptibility to temptation, his laziness, and his tendency to break promises for the sake of pleasure.
In this chapter, he struggles with his promise to the Fairy, succumbing to the temptation of the 'Land of Boobies' despite his initial resolve, showing his ongoing battle with self-discipline.
Impressionable, easily tempted, initially disobedient, but also capable of remorse and a desire to be good. He is curious and somewhat naive.
Image Prompt & Upload
A small, slender wooden puppet boy, standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a smooth, unblemished wooden face with painted blue eyes and a small, carved wooden nose. His short, light brown carved hair is stiff. He wears a simple, cream-colored linen tunic, brown breeches, and a small, red conical cap. He has a curious and slightly conflicted expression. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Fairy ◆ supporting
A benevolent magical being, likely appearing as a beautiful young woman, possibly with a serene and gentle demeanor. Her appearance would be ethereal and graceful.
Attire: Elegant, flowing gown, possibly in shades of blue or white, made of fine, shimmering fabric like silk or satin, suggesting purity and magic. It would be modest but regal, typical of a benevolent fairy figure in 19th-century European tales.
Wants: To guide Pinocchio towards becoming a good and sensible boy, ultimately transforming him into a human.
Flaw: Her inability to force Pinocchio to be good, as he must choose it himself.
Her role in this chapter is static; she provides guidance and warnings, which Pinocchio ultimately disregards.
Wise, patient, loving, firm, and concerned for Pinocchio's well-being. She acts as a moral guide and a mother figure.
Image Prompt & Upload
A beautiful young woman with a serene expression, standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. She has long, flowing blue hair and kind, luminous blue eyes. Her skin is fair and unblemished. She wears a flowing, floor-length gown of shimmering sky-blue silk, with long, wide sleeves and a high neckline. Her posture is graceful and poised. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Romeo (Candlewick) ⚔ antagonist
A thin, straight, and bright boy, resembling a new wick of a nightlight. He is likely of average height for his age, with a lean build.
Attire: Simple, somewhat disheveled peasant clothing typical of a mischievous boy in 19th-century Italy: a worn linen shirt, patched breeches, and perhaps a waistcoat, all in muted, earthy tones. His clothes might be slightly too big or too small, adding to his unkempt appearance.
Wants: To avoid all work and responsibility, seeking only play and amusement.
Flaw: His extreme laziness and lack of foresight, which will lead to his downfall.
He serves as the tempter in this chapter, successfully luring Pinocchio to the 'Land of Boobies' and reinforcing Pinocchio's bad habits.
Lazy, naughty, persuasive, cunning, and hedonistic. He embodies the temptation of immediate pleasure and irresponsibility.
Image Prompt & Upload
A thin, lean boy with a mischievous grin, standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has bright, quick brown eyes and short, unruly light brown hair. His skin is fair. He wears a slightly worn, cream-colored linen shirt, patched brown breeches, and a dark, ill-fitting waistcoat. His posture is relaxed and confident, with a slight lean. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Locations
Fairy's House
The home of the good Fairy, who acts as a mother figure to Pinocchio. Implied to be a safe, nurturing, and disciplined environment.
Mood: Warm, caring, but also strict and moralistic.
Pinocchio receives permission to invite friends for breakfast, but is warned to return before dark.
Image Prompt & Upload
A cozy, well-kept Italian countryside cottage interior, with warm morning light streaming through a small window. Simple, rustic wooden furniture and a stone hearth are visible, with a few embroidered textiles adding color. The air is bright and clean. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Peasant's Cottage Porch
A sheltered outdoor area, likely made of rough-hewn wood or stone, attached to a simple, humble dwelling. It serves as a hiding spot for Candlewick.
Mood: Secretive, conspiratorial, slightly rebellious.
Pinocchio finds Candlewick hiding here, and Candlewick tempts Pinocchio with tales of the 'Land of Boobies'. The coach to the 'Land of Boobies' arrives here.
Image Prompt & Upload
A weathered, rustic wooden porch attached to a simple Italian peasant's cottage, with terracotta roof tiles and whitewashed stone walls. The porch floorboards are worn, and a few clay pots with wilting flowers sit near a rough wooden bench. The late afternoon sun casts long shadows, and the sky is beginning to turn a soft orange and purple as dusk approaches. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Road to the 'Land of Boobies'
A rural road, likely unpaved, leading away from the village. It becomes dark as night falls, and a mysterious coach appears.
Mood: Mysterious, tempting, slightly ominous due to the approaching darkness and the nature of the destination.
Pinocchio debates whether to join Candlewick, and ultimately succumbs to temptation as the coach arrives.
Image Prompt & Upload
A winding, dusty dirt road in the Italian countryside, flanked by olive groves and cypress trees, receding into the deepening twilight. The sky is a gradient of deep blues and purples, with the first stars beginning to appear. A faint, distant light glows on the horizon, hinting at something approaching. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
