Pinocchios-Archetypal-Journey Reading

PINOCCHIO’S ARCHETYPAL JOURNEY

• Children crave myths and fairy tales for psychological insight into growing up and survival.

• Bruno Bettelheim's 1975 work, The Uses of Enchantment, highlighted this importance, further explored by Joseph Campbell and others.

• Contemporary storytelling, often from films and television, necessitates an examination of psychological teachings in children's narratives.

• Pinocchio (1940) by Walt Disney exemplifies a classic that continues to captivate children and adults alike, classified as a hallmark film much like Casablanca or Gone with the Wind.

• Classics tap into deep archetypal structures, resonating with the public.

Summary of Pinocchio's Plot

• Geppetto, a toy maker, wishes his wooden puppet Pinocchio were real.

• The Blue Fairy brings Pinocchio to life, promising to make him a "real boy" if he displays bravery, unselfishness, and truthfulness.

• Jiminy Cricket acts as Pinocchio's conscience.

• Pinocchio faces trials such as being enslaved by Stromboli and going to Pleasure Island, ultimately rescuing Geppetto from Monstro the Whale.

• Sacrificing himself for Geppetto's safety leads to Pinocchio's transformation into a real boy.

Deeper Analysis of the Film

• Surface Messages vs. Subtext

  • The apparent lessons include parental obedience, honesty, and humility, which, although valuable, may not resonate with children's desires.

  • The allure comes from subtext—psychological symbolism and moral guidance pertinent to life transitions like starting school.

I. STROMBOLI’S PUPPET THEATER

• Illustrates challenges children face when entering the world independently.

• Represents the parental control and safety felt by children; when this is lost, responsibility becomes daunting.

• The film portrays childish concerns without patronizing, transforming issues into tangible challenges for viewers.

• Solving