Chapter 2, Ruskin Bond’s ‘The Adventures of Toto’ Summary, Theme, Character Sketches, Important Passages, Textbook Question Answers with Extra Questions.
Chapter 2- The Adventures of Toto by Ruskin Bond:
Table of Contents
More for Class 9: Class IX- PROSE , Class IX- POEMS
Word Meanings:
| Abode: Place of residence. Anglo-Indian: Mixed British and Indian descent. Boiling himself alive: Getting into hot water. Cunningly: Cleverly or deceitfully. Delicacy: Expensive food item. Devoted: Very loving or loyal. Feeding-trough: Container for feeding animals. Haunches: Hip and thigh region. Mischief: Playful troublemaking. Out of place: Not belonging. Petty: Trivial or insignificant. Spite: Desire to annoy or hurt. Tonga: Two-wheeled horse-drawn carriage. Triumphant: Feeling jubilation after a success. Well-to-do: Wealthy or prosperous. |
Idiomatic Expressions used in the story “The Adventures of Toto” by Ruskin Bond:
| Sparkled with mischief: indicates that Toto’s eyes were bright and full of playful, naughty intent. Frightened the life out of: to scare someone very much. His presence should be kept a secret: ensuring that someone is unaware of Toto’s existence. Wrenched from its socket: means forcefully pulled out of its fixed position. An exhibition that attracted a curious crowd: Toto’s actions drew the attention of onlookers. Taken aback: to be surprised. In vain: without success. Just to get his own back: to retaliate or take revenge. Trying to keep her head as far as possible: attempting to move away from something. As far as: up to a certain point or degree. Half-boiled: partly cooked; here, it humorously means Toto was almost cooked due to the hot water. Tear a hole in it: to rip or damage the dress. Made his exit: to leave or go out. Determined on finishing: firmly decided to complete the task. Could not afford the frequent loss: could not handle or bear the frequent damage or destruction of items. |
Summary “The Adventures of Toto”:
In “The Adventures of Toto” by Ruskin Bond, Grandfather purchases a mischievous monkey named Toto from a tonga driver for five rupees. With his bright eyes and pearly teeth, Toto creates chaos wherever he goes. Grandfather tries to keep Toto hidden from Grandmother, but the monkey quickly tears up the wallpaper and clothes.
They take Toto to Saharanpur in a bag, where he is mistakenly identified as a dog and charged three rupees. Toto disrupts the household by attacking a donkey, bathing in a kettle, and stealing food. Despite his entertaining antics, the family realises they cannot keep him due to the damage he causes. Ultimately, Grandfather decides to sell Toto back to the tonga driver for three rupees, understanding that they cannot afford to keep such a troublesome pet.
Theme “The Adventures of Toto”:
Lessons in Pet Ownership:
The theme of “The Adventures of Toto” by Ruskin Bond revolves around the challenges and joys of keeping a naughty pet. The story highlights how Toto, a playful and intelligent monkey, brings excitement and chaos into the household. It explores themes of responsibility, the consequences of impulsive decisions, and the importance of home harmony.
While Toto’s antics are humorous and entertaining, they also lead to problems and losses for the family. Ultimately, the story highlights that not all animals are suitable as pets, and sometimes, it’s best to let them go for the greater good of everyone involved. It teaches readers to understand the nature of animals and make thoughtful choices.
Character Sketch:
Character Sketch of Toto:
1. Affectionate: Despite his mischief, Toto shows signs of attachment to his human family and enjoys their company.
2. Curious: Toto’s curiosity often leads him into trouble, such as when he nearly boils alive in a kettle.
3. Defiant: He throws a dish down from a tree out of spite, showing his defiant nature when scolded.
4. Energetic: Toto is energetic, constantly moving, exploring, and engaging with his surroundings.
5. Destructive: His playful nature often results in destruction, making him a challenging pet to keep.
6. Mischievous:
- Toto’s bright eyes sparkle with mischief.
- He often gets into trouble by tearing things apart and causing chaos.
7. Intelligent:
- He cleverly tests the water temperature before bathing.
- His antics, like escaping from a closet or opening a kettle lid, show his quick thinking.
8. Playful:
- Toto enjoys playing and causing mischief, such as stealing a pulao dish and throwing things at people.
9. Adaptable:
- He uses his tail as a third hand, showcasing his adaptability and resourcefulness.
- He adjusts to different environments, whether it’s a cage, a bag, or the house.
10. Troublesome:
- His actions lead to significant damage in the household, such as tearing wallpaper and clothes.
- He disturbs other animals, like the family donkey, Nana.
Character Sketch of Grandfather – “The Adventures of Toto”
1. Animal Lover: Grandfather keeps a private zoo and frequently brings home new pets, from goats to monkeys. His affection for animals is boundless and central to his character.
2. Impulsive: He buys Toto without a second thought from a Tonga driver, acting purely on impulse and instinct—adding both excitement and chaos to the household.
3. Optimistic: Where others see destruction, Grandfather sees brilliance. He views Toto’s tricks as clever and amusing rather than troubling.
4. Patient: Despite Toto’s endless mischief—ripping clothes, breaking dishes—Grandfather stays calm, trying to accommodate the monkey’s wild nature.
5. Humorous: He often laughs at Toto’s pranks, even joking about how the monkey might be tailoring an escape plan with blazer scraps.
6. Resourceful: When Toto proves too mischievous for the house, Grandfather cleverly shifts him to a more secure location in the servants’ quarters.
7. Caring: He makes sure Toto is safe and comfortable, whether it’s preparing his travel bag or checking on him at night. His care is sincere and constant.
8. Defiant: In a lighthearted act of rebellion, he questions the railway ticket collector’s logic—challenging the fare for Toto and defending his tortoise as a fellow passenger.
9. Pragmatic: Eventually, Grandfather acknowledges that Toto is more trouble than joy. He sensibly decides to return the monkey, prioritizing peace at home.
10. Adventurous: Whether it’s smuggling Toto onto a train or caring for a diverse zoo of animals, Grandfather brings a sense of adventure and unpredictability to every moment.
Grandfather’s heart is wild, warm, and wonderfully unpredictable, making him one of Ruskin Bond’s most endearing creations. He is a delightful and eccentric character in Bond’s tales, and his love for animals adds both charm and humor to the story. His personality is a blend of passion, mischief, and practical wisdom.
Character Sketch of Grandmother – “The Adventures of Toto”
1. Fussy: Whenever Grandfather brings home a new animal, Grandmother fusses—worried about the disorder it may cause. Her reactions reflect her love for routine and order in the household.
2. Caring: Despite her initial reluctance, she lovingly places a bowl of warm water for Toto’s bath, showing her nurturing instincts even for the most troublesome pet.
3. Patient: Toto’s mischief never ends, yet Grandmother handles the chaos with grace. Her patience is a quiet strength throughout the story.
4. Authoritative: She is a commanding presence. Her disapproval is clear and powerful—like when she screams upon finding Toto devouring the pulao!
5. Responsible: As the one who runs the household, Grandmother is always trying to keep things under control—even if the pets don’t make it easy.
6. Adaptable: Though she protests at first, she eventually comes to terms with Toto’s presence. Her adaptability helps the family adjust to unexpected changes.
7. Humorous: Her exasperated yet humorous reactions—especially when Toto nearly boils himself—add comic relief and show her ability to laugh amidst mayhem.
8. Protective: She doesn’t hesitate to rescue Toto from danger, pulling him out of the boiling kettle. Her protective instincts are always at the ready.
9. Resilient: Through every prank, mess, and disaster, Grandmother remains composed and capable. Her resilience shines in the face of constant pet-induced chaos.
Grandmother’s blend of sternness and compassion makes her a character that readers admire and relate to. She serves as the anchor in a household filled with surprises. In Ruskin Bond’s story, she is a memorable character who balances warmth, strength, and humorous frustration as she navigates life with the mischievous monkey, Toto.
Question Answers “The Adventures of Toto”:
Textbook Question Answers:
Q1: How does Toto come to grandfather’s private zoo?
A1: Toto comes to Grandfather’s private zoo after being bought from a Tonga driver for five rupees. The tonga-driver used to keep Toto tied to a feeding trough, but Grandfather decided to add the charming monkey to his collection of pets.
Q2: “Toto was a pretty monkey.” In what sense is Toto pretty?
A2: Toto is described as pretty because of several appealing physical attributes:
- His bright eyes sparkle mischievously beneath deep-set eyebrows.
- His teeth are pearly white and often displayed in a smile.
- He has a tail that adds to his good looks and is described as a third hand, making him agile and capable.
These features make Toto visually attractive and interesting despite his naughty behaviour.
Q3: Why does grandfather take Toto to Saharanpur, and how? Why does the ticket collector insist on calling Toto a dog?
A3: Grandfather takes Toto to Saharanpur to collect his pension. Toto travels with Grandfather in a big black canvas kit bag, which becomes his temporary home.
During their travel, Toto unexpectedly pokes his head out of the bag, surprising the ticket collector. The ticket collector, taken aback, insists on calling Toto a dog despite Grandfather’s attempts to explain that Toto is a monkey.
The confusion leads Grandfather to pay a fare for Toto as if he were a dog, highlighting the humorous misunderstanding between the ticket collector and Grandfather.
Q4: How does Toto take a bath? Where has he learnt to do this? How does Toto almost boil himself alive?
A4: Toto takes a bath in a unique and surprisingly human-like manner. He tests the water with his hand, then gradually steps into the warm water and immerses himself up to his neck. Toto’s behaviour suggests that he has observed humans, likely the narrator, taking baths and has learned to mimic the process.
One day, Toto nearly boils himself alive by getting into a large kitchen kettle left on the fire. Initially finding the water warm enough for a bath, he sits with his head sticking out of the kettle. As the water begins to boil, Toto adjusts by raising himself slightly, but the air is cold, so he sits back down and continues hopping up and down.
This dangerous situation is averted when Grandmother arrives and rescues Toto, who had unwittingly put himself in grave danger because of his curiosity and lack of understanding about boiling water.
Q5: Why does the author say, “Toto was not the sort of pet we could keep for long”?
A5: The author (Ruskin Bond) concludes that Toto was unsuitable as a long-term pet due to his mischievous and destructive behaviour. Throughout the story, Toto is depicted as causing various disruptions: tearing clothes, breaking dishes, and even endangering himself. Though often humorous, his actions cause the family inconvenience and expense.
Moreover, Toto’s antics continually challenge the household’s peace and order, making it clear that his presence cannot be sustained without ongoing trouble. Therefore, the author implies that Toto’s playful nature, while entertaining, ultimately makes him unsuitable for a stable, peaceful home.
Extra Questions:
Short Answer Type Questions:
Q1: Describe Toto’s appearance and some of his distinctive features.
A1: Toto was a striking monkey with bright, mischievous eyes under deep-set eyebrows. His pearly-white teeth often flashed in a smile that unnerved elderly Anglo-Indian ladies. His hands appeared dried-up yet nimble; his ornamental and functional tail could scoop up unreachable treats and support him from branches like a third hand.
Q2: Why did Grandfather decide to keep Toto’s presence a secret from Grandmother?
A2: Grandfather kept Toto a secret from Grandmother to avoid her fussing over another addition to their household menagerie. He waited until she was in an excellent mood to reveal Toto, knowing her tendency to worry about new animals and their potential mischief around the house.
Q3: How did Toto’s behaviour cause a commotion at the Dehra Dun railway platform?
A3: At the Dehra Dun railway platform, Toto poked his head out of his canvas bag just as Grandfather presented his ticket. Mistaking Toto for a dog, the ticket collector insisted on charging a fare. Despite Grandfather’s protests, Toto’s unexpected appearance amused and confused onlookers, causing a humorous commotion.
Q4: Why did Grandfather eventually sell Toto back to the Tonga driver?
A4: Grandfather decided to sell Toto back to the Tonga driver because Toto’s mischievous antics were becoming too costly for the household. His habit of destroying clothes, dishes, and wallpaper proved unsustainable for their budget. Despite his fondness for Toto, practicality forced Grandfather to part ways with the troublesome monkey.
Q5: How did Toto’s mischievous behaviour affect the household?
A5: Toto’s mischievous behaviour caused chaos in the household. He destroyed clothes, tore wallpaper, and even threw objects when provoked. His antics led to frequent commotions, especially during meals, when he would disrupt the dining experience. Ultimately, his behaviour contributed to Grandfather’s decision to sell him back to the Tonga driver.
Q6: What tactics did Grandfather use to prove Toto wasn’t a dog to the ticket collector?
A6: Grandfather attempted to prove Toto wasn’t a dog by showing him to the ticket collector. Grandfather tried to explain, but the ticket collector insisted that Toto was a dog, which led to humorous confusion and forced Grandfather to pay a fare for Toto as if he were a canine companion.
Q7: How did Toto react when someone laughed at him during his bath?
A7: When someone laughed at Toto during his bath, he became upset, and his feelings were hurt. He would refuse to continue with his bath, demonstrating a sensitive side despite his mischievous nature. Toto’s reaction showed his emotional responsiveness to those around him.
Q8: Why did Toto end up being sold back to the tonga-driver despite Grandfather’s initial fondness for him?
A8: Despite Grandfather’s initial fondness for Toto, his mischievous behaviour proved too costly and disruptive for the household. Toto frequently damaged property and caused chaos, which became financially unsustainable for the family. Thus, Grandfather reluctantly decided to sell Toto back to the Tonga driver to alleviate these challenges.
Q9: How did Toto’s presence impact the other animals in Grandfather’s collection?
A9: Toto’s presence in Grandfather’s collection of animals disrupted both the collection and its social dynamics. While Toto didn’t get along with Nana, the donkey, he interacted sociably with other pets, such as tortoises, rabbits, and squirrels, in their shared quarters. His mischievous behaviour sometimes disturbed their peace, yet added a lively element to their environment.
Q10: What was Grandmother’s reaction when discovering Toto’s antics with the pulao dish?
A10: Grandmother screamed upon discovering Toto eating from the pulao dish during lunch. In response, Toto threw a plate at her, causing further chaos. This incident highlighted Toto’s penchant for mischief and his ability to escalate situations, much to the dismay of Grandmother and the household.
Q11: Describe Toto’s relationship with Nana, the donkey in the stable.
A11: Toto and Nana, the donkey, did not get along well in the stable. Toto’s mischievous nature led him to bite and cling to Nana’s ears, causing discomfort and tension between them. Their relationship was marked by conflict rather than companionship, reflecting Toto’s disruptive presence in the stable environment.
Q12: How did Toto demonstrate his intelligence during his time with Grandfather?
A12: Toto demonstrated intelligence through various behaviours during his time with Grandfather. He showed problem-solving skills by escaping from his cage and adapting to his environment, such as testing bathwater temperature before entering. His ability to cause mischief also showcased his cunning and quick thinking.
Long Answer Type Questions:
Q1: Why does the author conclude that Toto was unsuitable as a long-term pet?
A1: The author concludes that Toto was unsuitable as a long-term pet because he caused too much trouble and expense. Toto was mischievous and destructive, constantly tearing things apart and causing chaos.
His playful behaviour often damaged clothes, furniture, and even kitchen utensils, leading to frequent losses and expenses the family couldn’t afford. Despite his charm and cleverness, Toto’s antics, such as throwing dishes and tearing clothes, made him too much of a handful to keep peacefully in the household.
Eventually, Grandfather decides to sell Toto back to the Tonga driver to avoid further trouble and financial strain caused by Toto’s mischief.
Q2: What role does Toto’s tail play in his daily antics?
A2: Toto’s tail is crucial in daily antics, serving almost like an extra hand. According to the story, Grandfather believes a tail adds to anyone’s good looks, but for Toto, it’s not just about appearance.
His tail helps him in various practical ways: he can hang from branches using it, reach for food out of his immediate grasp, and even scoop up delicacies otherwise inaccessible to his hands. This additional appendage enhances his agility and mischief, making it easier for him to explore and cause trouble around the house.
Despite its functional use, Toto’s tail also adds to his charm and playful demeanour, making him both endearing and a handful for the family to manage.
Q3: How does Toto’s presence affect the other animals in Grandfather’s menagerie?
A3: Toto’s presence in Grandfather’s menagerie affects the other animals in various ways. Initially housed in a cage with a tortoise, rabbits, and a squirrel, Toto’s lively and mischievous nature disrupts the calm atmosphere.
He doesn’t allow his companions to sleep at night, causing disturbance and possibly stress among the other animals. This prompts Grandfather to relocate Toto to the servants’ quarters, where he can be with other pets in a more social environment. However, Toto continues to stand out for his energetic behaviour, in contrast to the more sedate habits of the tortoise and other animals.
Toto’s presence injects energy and occasional chaos into the menagerie, altering the dynamics and requiring adjustments to accommodate his lively personality alongside the other animals’ quieter demeanour.
Q4: How does Toto’s behaviour reflect his mischievous nature throughout the story?
A4: Toto’s behaviour consistently reflects his mischievous nature throughout the story. He is described as playful yet disruptive, constantly getting into trouble with his antics. For instance, Toto tears apart ornamental wallpaper and destroys clothes, such as the school blazer.
His ability to cause chaos extends to meals, where he not only stuffs himself with human food but also throws dishes and otherobjects at people when angered. Toto’s mischievous streak is also evident in his bathing habits: he tests the water temperature and enjoys creating a spectacle, and he even attempts to bathe in a boiling kettle.
Toto’s actions consistently highlight his playful but troublesome nature, ultimately leading to the decision that he is too much to handle as a long-term pet.
Q5: How does Toto’s personality contradict Grandmother’s expectations and reactions?
A5: Toto’s personality contrasts sharply with Grandmother’s expectations and reactions throughout the story. Grandmother is depicted as a figure who values order, decorum, and peace in the household. She fusses over the new animals Grandfather brings home, preferring a serene environment.
In contrast, Toto is lively, mischievous, and disruptive. His antics, such as tearing clothes, throwing dishes, and causing general chaos, directly oppose Grandmother’s desire for calmness. When Toto acts out, Grandmother reacts with shock, dismay, or frustration, often screaming or becoming flustered. Her reactions highlight her preference for a well-mannered, predictable household, which Toto continually challenges with his unpredictable behaviour.
This stark contrast between Toto’s exuberance and Grandmother’s expectations creates tension and humour in the narrative, highlighting the clash between an orderly household and an unruly monkey.
Important Passages from “The Adventures of Toto” by Ruskin Bond:
The excerpts from “The Adventures of Toto” by Ruskin Bond focus on critical moments and character descriptions. Each selected passage highlights a significant aspect of Toto’s character or a memorable event in the story. :
1. Description of Toto:
“Toto was a pretty monkey. His bright eyes sparkled with mischief beneath deep-set eyebrows, and his teeth, which were pearly white, were very often displayed in a smile that frightened the life out of elderly Anglo-lndian ladies.”
- The excerpt tells us that Toto is visually appealing. Explains that Toto’s smile can scare older Anglo-Indian women. It implies that Toto’s appearance and behaviour, though visually appealing, can be unsettling to some people, especially elderly women.
- The opening passage shows how Toto’s appearance and behaviour significantly affect those around him, adding to the humour and mischief that characterise the narrative.
2. Toto’s escape attempt:
“The peg in the wall had been wrenched from its socket, and my school blazer, which had been hanging there, was in shreds. […] ‘Given time, I’m sure he could have tied the torn pieces of your blazer into a rope, and made his escape from the window!'”
- Toto, the monkey, tries to escape from his enclosure by pulling out the peg that holds him and tearing the narrator’s school blazer.
- Grandfather comments on Toto’s cleverness. He suggests that if Toto had more time, he might have used the torn blazer pieces to make a rope and escaped through the window.
- The excerpt illustrates Toto’s resourcefulness and determination to break free, as well as Grandfather’s amused admiration for Toto’s intelligence. It sets the stage for understanding Toto’s adventurous and mischievous nature throughout the story.
3. Toto’s travel mischief:
“Toto suddenly poked his head out of the bag and gave the ticket collector a wide grin.”
- During the journey, Toto, the monkey, unexpectedly emerged from the bag he was being carried in and grinned widely at the ticket collector. This playful action caught the ticket collector by surprise.
“In vain did Grandfather take Toto out of the bag; in vain did he try to prove that a monkey did not qualify as a dog, or even as a quadruped.”
- The excerpt indicates that his efforts were unsuccessful despite Grandfather’s attempts to remove Toto from the bag and explain to the ticket collector that Toto is a monkey, not a dog or a four-legged animal. The ticket collector insisted on classifying Toto as a dog and charged the fare accordingly.
- The above excerpts highlight Toto’s mischievous nature and Grandfather’s humorous attempts to manage the situation during their journey. Toto’s actions often lead to unexpected and humorous outcomes, adding excitement to the story.
4. Toto’s mischievous behaviour:
“He was always tearing things to pieces. Whenever one of my aunts came near him, he made every effort to get hold of her dress and tear a hole in it.”
- Toto had a habit of ripping or damaging things. Specifically, when any of the narrator’s aunts approached Toto, he would try to grab their dresses and tear holes in them. It shows Toto’s mischievous, playful nature, though it could be troublesome for those around him.
“At lunchtime, a large dish of pulao stood in the centre of the dining table. We entered the room to find Toto stuffing himself with rice.”
- A large pulao (rice dish) was on the table at lunchtime. When the narrator and others entered the room, they found Toto eating the rice from the dish. “Stuffing himself” means Toto was eating the rice eagerly and in large quantities.
- The above excerpts depict Toto’s playful but sometimes disruptive behaviour. He enjoys causing mischief by tearing things up and indulging in human food, which adds humour and challenges for the characters in the story.
5. Conclusion and Toto’s departure:
“Obviously Toto was not the sort of pet we could keep for long. Even Grandfather realised that.”
- The family understood that, despite being charming and amusing, Toto was not suitable to keep as a pet for an extended period. Toto’s naughty behaviour, such as tearing things and causing disruptions, made managing him in the household challenging.
“So Grandfather found the tonga-driver and sold Toto back to him — for only three rupees.”
- Because Toto did not fit in with the family and caused too much trouble, Grandfather decided to sell him back to the Tonga driver from whom he had originally bought him. The Tonga driver agreed to repurchase Toto for a much lower price than Grandfather initially paid.
- The above excerpts show the resolution of Toto’s story in the household. Despite Toto’s entertaining antics, his behaviour ultimately led to his departure from the family’s home. The conclusion reflects the challenges of keeping unconventional pets and the decisions families sometimes make for everyone’s well-being.
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