9 English - The Adventures of Toto - Notes

THE ADVENTURES OF TOTO
By - Ruskin Bond
Ruskin Bond is an award-winning Indian author of British descent, renowned for his role in
promoting children’s literature in India. A prolific writer, he has written over 500 short stories,
essays, and novels. His popular novel ‘The Blue Umbrella’ was made into a Hindi film. The film was
awarded the National Film Award for Best Children's Film, in 2007. He is also the author of more
than 50 books for children and two volumes of autobiography. He was awarded the Padma Shri in
1999 and Padma Bhushan in 2014.
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Introduction to the lesson
This is a humorous and adventurous story of a naughty monkey named ‘Toto’. The writer’s
grandfather bought the monkey from a tonga driver. The pranks played by Toto have been
narrated in an interesting way and make the story a must-read for us.
Theme - The story deals with the outcome of the interaction between humans and animals. It shows
that not all animals can adapt themselves to the human lifestyle. It requires a great deal of
patience to train animals to acquire non-destructive behaviour.
Characters
Toto
Toto was a pretty monkey who was bought from a tonga-driver by the narrator’s Grandfather.
He was pretty to look at. He had bright eyes that sparkled with mischief beneath deep-set eyebrows.
His pearly white teeth frightened the Anglo-Indian ladies when he smiled. His hands looked dried up
as though they had been pickled in the sun for many years.
He was quick with his fingers and lifted things in a wicked manner. His tail added to his beauty
and acted as his third hand.
He was playful but restless - To keep Toto’s presence a secret from Grandmother, he was put in a little
closet and was tied securely. A few hours later when the narrator and grandfather returned, they found
that the wall which had been covered with some ornamental paper was now uncovered.
He was destructive too- The peg in the wall had been wrenched from its socket. He had
torn the narrator’s school blazer.
He was a total misfit with other animals.
He was a keen observer. He imitated the narrator’s manner of taking bath.
He was curious by nature and many times landed in trouble because of this.
He caused a lot of damage by destroying things. Finally, he was sent away and sold back to the
same tonga driver.
Grand Father
Grandfather was an animal lover. He had his own private zoo. He did not mind spending money in
order to get animals and birds.
He was sensitive towards the feelings of his wife – Toto’s presence was kept a secret, till she was in
good mood.
When Toto was finally accepted by Grandmother he was given a comfortable home in the
stable, where he had Nana- the family donkey, as a companion.
He did not mind Toto’s mischiefs. Instead, he found him to be quite clever.
Grandfather was witty and sarcastic. His experience with the ticket collector and the arguments he
gave to prove himself are quite amusing.
He took a wise decision by selling back Toto as it had become impossible to keep such a mischievous
pet.
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Question – Answers
1. How was Toto an expensive deal for grandfather? Do you think it was a lesson for grandfather?
Ans: Since his arrival, Toto started damaging the house and the things in it. He pulled out the peg, tore
wallpapers, ruined the closet, and tore the author’s blazer into rags. While going to Saharanpur, at the
railway station, the author’s grandfather had to pay the fare for Toto too. The grandfather thought that
Toto would adjust with other animals in the zoo but it never happened. Then, grandfather realised that it
was not a very good deal. He found the Tonga driver and sold Toto back to him. Toto frequently destroyed
curtains and other expensive items.
Yes, I think it was a lesson for grandfather to learn that every animal should not be tamed. Some can live
happily only in their natural habitat. They prove expensive if we act against the law of nature.
2. Why was Toto’s presence kept a secret? Where was he kept during this period?
Ans: Grandmother always fussed whenever a new bird or animal was brought into the house. Grandfather
decided that Toto’s presence would be kept secret from her until she was in a good mood. Grandfather
kept Toto in the author’s bedroom’s closet. He completely ruined the closet.
3. Why was Toto not the kind of pet which could be kept at home for long?
Ans: Toto was a pretty and entertaining pet but not the kind of pet which could be kept at home for long.
By nature, he was mischievous and more importantly, destructive. The first time when he was kept in a
little closet opening into the author’s bedroom wall and tied securely, he not only peeled off the
ornamental paper from the wall but also reduced the author’s blazer into shreds. He was always tearing
things to pieces. It caused great embarrassment to the author’s family whenever one of his aunts came near
him and he made every effort to get hold of her dress and tear a hole in it. Toto threw a plate when
grandmother screamed at him for savouring the pullao. Perching on the jackfruit tree he enjoyed every
grain lavishly and threw the dish to spite grandmother. The frequent loss of dishes, clothes, curtains, and
wallpaper was too much to afford for the author’s not well-to-do family.
4. Describe how Toto took bath in cold winter evenings.
Ans: Taking a bath in warm water in cold winter evenings was a great treat for Toto. Grandmother kept
warm water in a large bowl. He would cunningly test the temperature with his hand, then gradually step
into the bath, first one foot, then the other until he was into the water up to his neck. All these things Toto
did like the way the author did. Once comfortable, he would take the soap in his hands or feet and rub
himself all over. When the water became cold, he would get out and run as quickly as he could to the
kitchen fire in order to dry himself. If anyone laughed at him during this performance, Toto’s feelings
would be hurt and he would refuse to go on with his bath.
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THE ADVENTURES OF TOTO

4. Describe how Toto took bath in cold winter evenings.

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