1. THE PHANTOM
TOLLBOOTH
by Norton Juster
Final Assignment--Project
Instructions: 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 Bee
c. King Azaz
d. the Mathemagician
e. 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. Dictionopolis
b. 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. 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.
Page
cartographers 11
animosity 71
podium 118
unkempt 202
insincerity 216
3. Find, copy and explain:
Task Page
a simile from 119
two more from 230
a metaphor from 74
an example of personification from 117
another from 230
an example of alliteration from 121
another from 230
an example of onomatopoeia from 135
a 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.