THE PHANTOM TOLLBOOTH

by Norton Juster

Final Assignment--ProjectInstructions: Choose one question from each of the

sections below. Write a full response for each.

1. CHARACTER (20 marks)

1. Describe Milo’s character at the start of the book. Include at least one quotation to back up your views.

Add a bit explaining any changes you’ve noticed by the middle of the book. Describe Milo as you see him at the end. Again, quote to support your views and suggest why

he has changed.

2. Write a character description for Tock, the Humbug and at least ONE of the following:

a. Dr Dischord b. the Spelling Beec. King Azaz d. the Mathemagiciane. Faintly Macabre

2. PLOT (10 marks)

1. Draw a time-line charting Milo’s adventures. At the end, briefly describe how the story ends.

2. Write A Short History of the Kingdom of Wisdom

3. SETTING (15 marks)

Write short descriptions for each of the following: a. Dictionopolisb. the numbers mine c. the Mountains of Ignorance.

Quote to support your answer

4. THEME (15 marks)

1. Choose an incident from in or around Dictionopolis, briefly describe it and say what Milo, and you, learn from it.

Do the same for Digitopolis.

2. “There’s no rhyme or reason to it” means ‘it doesn’t make sense’. Write about the two Princesses, Rhyme and Reason. Discuss how sensible their judgments are and what happens to Wisdom when they are banished from it.

3. The Demons all represent human failings or weaknesses. Choose THREE, explain what failing or weakness each represents and how a little wisdom can help us avoid falling into the clutches of that particular demon.

5. LANGUAGE (15 marks)

1. Write down 5 idioms from the book with their meanings.

2. Give the meanings of these words and explain how the context of each helps you to arrive at the meaning.

Pagecartographers 11animosity 71podium 118unkempt 202insincerity 216

3. Find, copy and explain:

Task Pagea simile from 119 two more from 230a metaphor from 74an example of personification from 117 another from 230an example of alliteration from 121 another from 230an example of onomatopoeia from 135a pun from 29

4. Why do you think Juster uses so much imagery in this story? Find some examples and explain how they add to your enjoyment of the story

6. YOUR RESPONSE (15 marks)

In your response you should deal not only with whether or not you liked the book (with reasons), but also with its success or otherwise as allegory.

7. EXTRAS (10 marks)

1. Draw a full colour map of the kingdom.2. Draw some literal interpretations of idioms.3. Draw some flavoursome letters.4. Look for further examples of imagery.5. Write an account of an event from someone (or something) else’s point of view.