Pinocchio Theme of Morality and Ethics

Pinocchio isn't exactly subtle when it comes to morality. Pinocchio's mission, should he choose to accept it: prove himself brave, truthful, and unselfish. The reward? Humanity.

Although Pinocchio goes out with the best of intentions and sincerely tries to live up to the Blue Fairy's words, he slips up more than a baby panda on an ice skating rink. Luckily, Pinocchio manages to settle his footing and make it back to the path of goodness right in the nick of time.

Questions about Morality and Ethics

  1. How does Pinocchio ultimately live up to the Blue Fairy's moral code?
  2. Is Jiminy a good conscience? Why or why not?
  3. How do the filmmakers visually represent immorality? Do they use symbols?
  4. Compare and contrast Honest John's and the Coachman's moral codes.

Chew on This

Take a peek at these thesis statements. Agree or disagree?

Pinocchio fulfills all three of the fairy's requirements—being brave, truthful, and unselfish—during his battle with Monstro.

Although Jiminy is a bad conscience at first, he ultimately proves his worth through his dedication to Pinocchio.