📘 THE ADVENTURES OF TOTO
By Ruskin Bond (Class 9 English – Moments)
✅ 1–40: Short Question Answers (2–3 lines with colorful bullets)
- 🔵 Who is the author of “The Adventures of Toto”?
Ruskin Bond is the author of this humorous and touching story. - 🟢 What type of animal is Toto?
Toto is a mischievous and clever little monkey. - 🟡 Why did the grandfather buy Toto?
Grandfather bought Toto from a tonga-driver to add to his private zoo. - 🔴 How much did the grandfather pay for Toto?
He paid five rupees for the monkey. - 🔵 Where was Toto first kept?
He was secretly kept in a closet in the narrator’s room. - 🟣 Why was Toto kept a secret from grandmother?
Because she did not like animals in the house. - 🟢 What did Toto do to the wallpaper?
He tore it off the wall. - 🟡 How did Toto break the hook?
He pulled it off while trying to escape. - 🔴 What happened to the narrator’s blazer?
Toto shredded it into pieces. - 🔵 Where was Toto shifted afterward?
He was shifted to the servant’s quarters. - 🟣 How did Toto behave in the servant’s room?
He didn’t get along with the other animals. - 🟢 How did Toto travel to Saharanpur?
In a black canvas bag with strong zipper. - 🟡 How did Toto behave on the train?
He scared other passengers by grinning at them. - 🔴 Why did the ticket collector charge for Toto?
He considered Toto as a dog and charged three rupees. - 🔵 How did Toto react to bathing in warm water?
He loved it and bathed like a human. - 🟣 What happened with the kettle incident?
Toto almost boiled himself while enjoying a bath. - 🟢 What did Toto do to plates at lunch?
He threw them after finishing the food. - 🟡 How did grandmother react to Toto’s actions?
She was upset and scolded grandfather. - 🔴 Why was Toto finally sold?
His mischief became uncontrollable and expensive. - 🔵 How much was Toto sold for?
He was sold back to the tonga-driver for three rupees. - 🟣 What lesson does the story teach us?
Not all animals are suitable as pets. - 🟢 What was unique about Toto’s personality?
He was smart, curious, and full of mischief. - 🟡 How did Toto’s presence affect household peace?
He caused chaos and destruction. - 🔴 What is the tone of the story?
It is humorous and light-hearted. - 🔵 Did the narrator enjoy Toto’s company?
Yes, though he was aware of the chaos caused. - 🟣 How did Toto interact with other pets?
He was hostile and didn’t get along. - 🟢 What did Toto do when he was angry?
He would throw things and behave wildly. - 🟡 What human-like trait did Toto have?
He bathed himself and enjoyed human food. - 🔴 Was grandfather justified in keeping Toto?
No, since Toto created more problems than joy. - 🔵 What do you learn about monkeys from this story?
Monkeys are intelligent but can be troublesome pets. - 🟣 How did Toto open the bag?
By using his sharp teeth to undo the zipper. - 🟢 Why is Toto called a ‘naughty monkey’?
Because of his constant mischief and destructiveness. - 🟡 Why did the narrator admire Toto?
For his cleverness and human-like behavior. - 🔴 How did Toto behave at meal times?
He snatched food and broke utensils. - 🔵 What was the ultimate lesson grandfather learned?
Wild animals should remain in the wild. - 🟣 Was Toto comfortable in the house?
No, his nature was too wild for a home. - 🟢 What made Toto a financial burden?
The damages he caused and extra care needed. - 🟡 What role does humour play in the story?
It makes the misadventures enjoyable and light. - 🔴 What emotions did Toto show?
Curiosity, anger, joy, and pride. - 🔵 What does the story reflect about pet ownership?
It highlights the responsibility and challenges involved.
✅ 41–45: Long Question-Answers (100–120 words)
- 🟦 Describe Toto’s behaviour and personality.
Toto was a lively, mischievous, and clever monkey. He had an unpredictable personality and often created chaos. From tearing wallpapers to shredding clothes and breaking dishes, his antics were endless. He could open zippers and unlatch doors. Though he loved warm baths and mimicked human actions, he never got along with other animals. His destructive habits made it impossible to keep him as a pet. Despite his smartness, his wild nature was too much to handle, leading to his return to the tonga-driver. - 🟩 Why was Toto ultimately not kept as a pet?
Toto, though entertaining, was extremely mischievous. He destroyed household items, scared people, and got into trouble constantly. He couldn’t live peacefully with other pets and created a lot of mess. His upkeep became costly due to the damage he caused. Grandfather, who had bought him on a whim, finally realized that Toto did not belong in a human household. He sold Toto back to the tonga-driver for a lesser price, concluding that wild animals should stay in their natural habitat. - 🟥 What role does humour play in “The Adventures of Toto”?
Humour is a key element in the story. The narrator shares events in a light-hearted and comical way, making even the chaos caused by Toto amusing. Incidents like Toto taking a bath in boiling water, destroying clothes, and throwing dishes are presented humorously. The exaggerated reactions and innocent mischief add to the comic effect. The story uses humour to reflect on the challenges of owning a wild pet without making it too serious or preachy. - 🟨 What does the story teach about keeping wild animals as pets?
The story subtly teaches that wild animals, like Toto, are not suitable for domestic life. Although they may seem charming and intelligent, their natural instincts often lead to destruction and discomfort for both the animal and the humans. The tale shows that such animals are best left in their natural environments where they can thrive. Grandfather’s experience with Toto proves that affection alone is not enough to tame wild instincts. - 🟧 How does the author create interest in the story?
The author uses a mix of humour, vivid description, and amusing incidents to create interest. The story’s narration is engaging, with each incident showing a new side of Toto’s cleverness and mischief. The tone remains light and playful, keeping readers entertained while also offering a subtle lesson. The author’s own amusement and fondness for Toto make the story relatable and memorable.
✅ 46–50: Value-Based Questions
- 🟦 What value lesson can we learn from Toto’s story?
We learn that one must act responsibly and understand the nature of animals before domesticating them. - 🟩 Why is understanding an animal’s needs important?
It helps in ensuring their well-being and avoids unnecessary harm or discomfort to both the pet and the owner. - 🟥 What do we learn about compassion from the story?
While compassion for animals is good, it should be balanced with practicality and understanding. - 🟨 Why did grandfather return Toto?
Because keeping him became unmanageable and expensive, despite their affection for him. - 🟧 How can this story make us more empathetic?
It encourages us to see animals as beings with their own needs and reminds us to make responsible decisions for their welfare.