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What aspects of Toto’s behavior on his first night suggest that he cannot be domesticated?
He destroyed the narrator's blazer, tore wallpaper, and caused chaos, showing his wild nature.
Q: Why does the author repeatedly use the word “mischievous” to describe Toto?
A: To frame his behavior as playful rather than malicious, showing affection despite the chaos.
Q: Why is the story told from a child’s point of view?
A: To add innocence, humor, and a forgiving tone to Toto’s wild antics.
Q: How does the title “The Adventure of Toto” influence the reader’s expectations?
A: It suggests a light, playful tone rather than a serious story of disruption.
Q: Why does the narrator describe Toto’s tail as a "third hand"?
A: Because Toto uses it to hang from branches and grasp objects, showing cleverness and dexterity.
Q: What role does Grandmother play in maintaining order in the story?
A: She represents discipline and balance, often clashing with Grandfather’s love for unruly animals.
Q: How does the story contrast Grandfather’s enthusiasm with the chaos Toto causes?
A: It highlights how love for animals, when not thought through, can create disorder.
Q: What is ironic about Grandfather returning Toto after defending him so passionately?
A: It shows that affection can’t always overcome natural behavior.
Q: Why did Grandfather think Toto would not be noticed in the zoo’s cage with other animals?
A: Because he assumed Toto's size and behavior would blend in among the other monkeys.
Q: Why did Grandfather insist on taking Toto to Saharanpur with him?
A: He was emotionally attached to Toto and wanted to keep him close, despite the impracticality.
Q: Why doesn’t the author show Toto’s inner thoughts?
A: To keep the focus on human interpretation of animal behavior and preserve mystery.
Q: How does Toto’s character blur the line between animal and human behavior?
A: His intelligence and mimicry challenge the idea that only humans act with intent.
Describe the character of Toto in the story. How does Toto's behavior affect the plot?
Toto is a lively and mischievous monkey who is the pet of the main character, Mr. Tarrant. His playful and sometimes troublesome behavior adds humor and excitement to the story. Toto’s antics often cause trouble for Mr. Tarrant, but also bring unexpected joy and companionship. The way Toto interacts with people around him influences the events in the story, showing how a pet can deeply affect its owner's daily life.
Explain the significance of Toto's escape and how it contributes to the story’s climax.
Toto’s escape creates a turning point in the story, introducing tension and urgency. His sudden disappearance worries Mr. Tarrant and sets off a series of events where characters try to find him. This incident brings excitement and suspense to the plot and highlights Toto’s adventurous spirit. The escape also teaches a lesson about responsibility and the challenges of caring for a lively pet.
How does Toto take a bath? Where has he learnt to do this? How does Toto almost boil himself alive?
Toto cunningly tested the temperature with his hand then gradually stepped into the bath. He stepped first one foot, then the other, until he was into the water up to his neck. He rubbed himself all over with the soap. He learned it all from the author. Some day Toto got in a large kitchen kettle which was on fire to boil. He enjoyed the warm water but when the water turned out to be hot he jumped up and down. Suddenly the grandmother arrived at and pulled him out in half-boiled condition.
Q: What literary technique is used when Toto is described as “more intelligent than many humans”?
A: Hyperbole — it exaggerates Toto’s cleverness for comic and critical effect.
What role does Mr. Tarrant play in the story, and how does he react to Toto's mischief?
Mr. Tarrant is Toto’s owner and caretaker. He is portrayed as kind but sometimes frustrated by Toto’s naughty behavior. Despite Toto’s mischief, Mr. Tarrant cares for him deeply and enjoys his company. His patience and understanding towards Toto reflect the bond between a pet and its owner. Mr. Tarrant’s reactions to Toto’s antics help move the story forward and highlight themes of love and tolerance.
How does the story portray the relationship between humans and animals?
The story portrays a warm and affectionate relationship between humans and animals, especially through the bond between Mr. Tarrant and Toto. It emphasizes companionship, love, and the joys and challenges of having pets. The story suggests that animals are not just pets but friends who bring happiness and sometimes trouble into human lives, making them richer and more meaningful.
Why could not Toto and Nana become friends?
Toto was very naughty and wicked and could not stay still for a long time. Nana was a well behaved and docile animal. When they were together Toto bit on the long ears of Nana and Nana got annoyed with Toto. Thus, Nana and Toto could not become friends.
How does Toto become a problem to the grandfather while going to Saharanpur?
While going to Saharanpur, Toto behaved well. When Grandfather was producing his ticket, Toto suddenly poked his head out of the bag. He gave the ticket collector a wide grin. The ticket collector insisted that grandfather must buy the ticket for the pet. And proved to be a big problem for grandfather