Despite the fact that Alexey Tolstoy, when writing The Golden Key, was inspired by the work of Carlo Collodi, and the beginning of the Russian fairy tale completely coincides with the beginning of Pinocchio, the differences between the two works and the two characters are enormous. They relate to the main character, and all minor characters, and storylines.
Pinocchio and Pinocchio differ both purely outwardly, and in their actions, and in motivations, and in evolution. Buratino's nose is long and pointed, it remains so throughout Tolstoy's story. Pinocchio's nose is also long, but nothing is said about its sharpness, but it grows every time the character tells someone a lie. Pinocchio wears a sock on his head, and Pinocchio wears a hat.
In the course of the plot, Pinocchio undergoes various terrible and rather serious tests, almost dies, and at the end of the book receives a reward - he becomes a living boy from a wooden doll. Pinocchio is pleased with his fate of a wooden doll, the adventures into which a sharp long nose has thrust him into are more comical than tragic, and as a reward he receives a key to a wonderful country.
Pinocchio at the beginning of the story is an evil, insensitive and immoral creature whose tricks are cruel. In the course of the action, he turns into a person with a good heart, and eventually takes on flesh. Pinocchio, despite his unbridled choleric character, shows signs of compassion, his actions are dictated, rather, by prank than spite, as a result, his playful character allows him to win. Pinocchio has to undergo changes, adapt to the world around him in order to help others and himself. Pinocchio has remained true to himself throughout history. He owes his success to disobedience, strength of character and a cheerful disposition.
Speaking about the difference between The Golden Key and The Adventures of Pinocchio, it should be noted that Tolstoy's tale contains much less morality and didactics, the plot is more dynamic and less tense. This is a truly children's book, from which it is easy to make a comic or cartoon.
Collodi's goal was precisely didactics in the form of a children's book, the proclamation of reflection and work on oneself. Its purpose was to scare the reader with the consequences of disobedience, anger and unnecessary prank, in order to lead to the understanding that patience, caring for others, suffering and atonement can make a person better. The Adventures of Pinocchio is a drama to be read by children and their parents. In the case of Pinocchio, all the good qualities were originally inherent in the hero, he only needed to develop them in friendship, danger and interesting adventures. This is no longer a concept of individual salvation through indemnity, but a positive hero's path to success.
