Topic > A look at the repercussions of going against one's conscience in the film Pinocchio

Wald Disney Production's Pinocchio (1940) is the story of a simple carpenter, Geppetto, who wishes for his little wooden creation to become a real boy. Pinocchio himself is immature and naive about the ways of the world, and another character, Jiminy Cricket, is appointed as his "conscience". He then goes on an adventure and must choose whether or not to follow his "conscience" in the escalating series of events he finds himself in. One of Disney's first animated films, Pinocchio is still an emotionally satisfying and beautifully depicted example today. of linear narrative. The narrative itself lends itself to the theme that choosing to go against your conscience can have disastrous consequences for your life and the lives of those you love. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The film begins by emphasizing the theme in the first act. In the exposition, the Speaker informs us that he will share the story of a wish that came true, which tells us as the audience, as we look back, that we will eventually see some positive consequences of Pinocchio's actions. However, the film's inciting episode leads us to believe otherwise. What really sets the stage for the theme is when “Honest John” and his sidekick Gideon start leading Pinocchio astray. Pinocchio's choice to ignore Cricket and follow Honest John and Gideon brings us the first major consequence he faces as a result of his actions: he is kidnapped. The turning point emphasizes the theme and leads the audience to believe that Pinocchio has changed his ways and understands that the consequences can be disastrous if he does not follow Cricket. In the second act, we see more obstacles placed in Pinocchio's path. Despite promising to follow his conscience, he again decides to ignore the Cricket and make the wrong choice. This time, the consequence doesn't seem so serious: Pinocchio smokes, drinks and plays pool with other boys. Of course this cannot last and, once again, Pinocchio is punished. Unlike the last time he realized his mistake, his repentant attitude does not exempt him from negative consequences and he must do everything he can to make amends. The obstacles and climax of the second act help the audience see that repeated missteps exacerbate the negative results actions can have. The final act shows us that Pinocchio finally understands that his actions have serious consequences. The action of the fall occurs when he comes to this realization, manages to save his father from the belly of a whale, and dies in the effort. During the resolution, Cricket's foreshadowing at the beginning of the film is fully realized: Pinocchio is rewarded with resurrection into a real boy and Geppetto's wish comes true. The falling action and resolution taken together show us that once Pinocchio is fully aware that his actions have consequences, he is not only able to make correct decisions and avoid negative effects, but he also receives positive effects. Please note: This is just an example. Get a custom article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay All in all, Pinocchio is a brilliant example of linear narrative that serves to add to a particular theme. The first act begins to show the audience that actions can have consequences. The second act adds to the first by providing further examples and raising the stakes. The third act and resolution provide a final, powerful reason to believe in the theme. The Cricket and Pinocchio strongly support the idea that choosing to go against one's conscience can have.