Hooks

Hooks symbolize Geppetto’s original relationship with Pinocchio, which is marked by callousness and cruelty. When Pinocchio comes to life, Geppetto refused to acknowledge him as a living thing, instead treating him as an object. His dismissal of Pinocchio was exemplified by him hanging Pinocchio on a hook for the better part of an hour and refusing to let him down despite Pinocchio’s pleas. Later, Geppetto is haunted by hooks aboard the Maria and even suspends himself on a hook to understand what Pinocchio felt. He comes to dislike hooks, seeing them as a sign of his failings as a father.

Candles

Candles symbolize hope during Geppetto's captivity aboard the Maria. When Geppetto is first swallowed by the sea beast, he despairs in the darkness until he finds seven crates of candles. Under their light, he finds a way to continue living and writing his...