Chacracter Traits

What are some of the character traits that are revealed about Milo in Chapter 1? In what ways are you similar to or different from Milo?

Doldrums

How did Milo end up in the Doldrums? In what ways do the Doldrums resemble Milo's character and attitude? How did you think the Lethargarians got their name?

Say a Little in Summary

At the end of Chapter 4, Milo expresses that he never knew that words could be so confusing and Tock replies, "Only when you use a lot to say a little." Explain how Tock's statement relates to writing a summary. Write a 4-5 sentence summary of Chapter 4.

Short Shrift

Research the phrase "short shrift" and explain why it is such an appropriate title for Chapter 5.

Numbers or Words

Faintly Macabre explained that Azaz the Unabridged and Mathemagician had a huge argument over which was better, numbers or words. If you had to choose one, which would you argue is more important - numbers or words? Explain your answer.

Pun-y Business

A pun is a humorous play on words. During the Royal Banquet, there are many words that are taken very literal during the meal. List a few of the puns and explain how they were used to create humor for the reader.

Seeing Imaginary Things

Alec Bings explained to Milo that "imaginary things are often easier to see than real ones." Explain what he meant by this. Do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Compare & Contrast

Compare and contrast the city of Illusions with the city of Reality. How are these two places symbolic of what life is like in many big cities today?

Discord & Din

Define the words discord and din. Then explain why Chapter 11 was entitled "Dischord and Dynne."

The Sound of Silence

List the different types of silences that the Soundkeeper talks to Milo about. Think about other situations in which there is a unique silence and add them to the list.

Jump to Conclusions

Milo, Tock, and Humbug ended up on the Island of Conclusions. Explain when it is okay to jump to conclusions and when it is not okay. Describe a time when you jumped to a conclusion about someone or something and make sure to include the outcome.

More Precious Than Jewels

According to Mathemagician, diamonds, emeralds, rubies, sapphires, and other precious stones were nothing more than a nuisance. Write a persuasive paragraph, from Mathemagician's point of view, as to why numbers are more important than precious jewels.

Out of Context

The Everpresent Wordsnatcher was from the land of Context, but he was away from it. In other words, he was out of context. Give several examples of words or phrases that the bird took out of context and explain the confusion.

Lessons Milo Learned

In Chapter 17, describe the lessons that Milo begins to learn about wasting time, being sincere, and taking chances.

Rhyme & Reason

Explain what Rhyme and Reason mean when they said, "You often learn more by being wrong for the right reasons than you do by being right for the wrong reasons." If you can, give an example from your own life to support your answer

Make a Prediction

What do you think would have happened if Azaz and Mathemagician told Milo his journey was impossible before he left to rescue Rhyme and Reason? Support your answer with examples from the book.

Post a letter to Norton Juster

Write a letter to Norton Juster explaining how his use of figurative language enhanced the book, The Phantom Tollbooth. Include a 5 of your favorite examples form the story.