4.6 The Phantom Tollbooth (A Book Review) - Class 6 - Kumarbharati

Author: Norton Juster (Review adapted in textbook)

Genre: Fantasy / Book Review

Textbook: English Kumarbharati – Class 6

Board: Maharashtra State Board

English Summary

The lesson The Phantom Tollbooth introduces Norton Juster’s fantasy novel about a bored boy named Milo. Though Milo has everything he needs, he finds life dull and meaningless. One day, he receives a mysterious parcel containing a tollbooth, complete with a map, coins, and rules. Out of curiosity, Milo assembles it, drives his toy car through, and suddenly finds himself transported into a magical world called the Kingdom of Wisdom. His adventures take him to strange lands such as the Doldrums, where he meets the lazy Lethargarians, and other unusual places filled with peculiar characters. He also takes on the mission of rescuing the princesses Rhyme and Reason from the Castle in the Air. Through his journey, Milo realises the importance of curiosity, knowledge, and purpose in life. The novel is both entertaining and meaningful, encouraging children to value learning and to see the world with imagination and enthusiasm.

Theme / Central Idea

The story highlights the importance of curiosity, imagination, and learning. It conveys that life becomes meaningful and enjoyable when we seek knowledge and purpose instead of wasting time.

Character Sketches

Milo

• A young boy from San Francisco.

• Bored and uninterested in life despite having comforts.

• Honest, curious, and adventurous.

• Learns that life is full of meaning when one values knowledge.

The Lethargarians

• Strange, lazy creatures living in the Doldrums.

• Spend time daydreaming, delaying, and complaining.

• Symbol of laziness, idleness, and procrastination.

Princesses Rhyme and Reason

• Symbolic characters who represent wisdom, logic, and balance.

• Their rescue restores order in the Kingdom of Wisdom.

Word Meanings

Grammar Questions (5)

1. Infinitive / Gerund

   Sentence: “Milo wanted to explore the lands beyond.”

   Answer: The infinitive is to explore. It shows Milo’s desire.

   
   

2. Passive Voice

   Change the voice: Milo assembled the tollbooth.

   Answer: The tollbooth was assembled by Milo.

   
   

3. Modal Auxiliary

   Use ‘might’ in a sentence based on the lesson.

   Answer: Milo might have wasted his life if he had not discovered the tollbooth.

   
   

4. Tense Change

   Change into past tense: Milo drives through the tollbooth.

   Answer: Milo drove through the tollbooth.

   
   

5. Wh-question framing

   Make a Wh-question for the underlined part: Milo rescued Rhyme and Reason.

   Answer: Whom did Milo rescue?

   
   

Personal Response Questions (5)

1. Question: Do you ever feel bored like Milo? What do you do then?

   Answer: Sometimes boredom is felt, but I try to read books, play, or learn new things to make time useful and interesting.

   
   

2. Question: What lesson do you learn from Milo’s journey?

   Answer: Milo’s journey teaches that life becomes meaningful when we use time wisely, stay curious, and learn from experiences.

   
   

3. Question: Do you think imagination is important in life? Why?

   Answer: Imagination is important because it makes learning fun and helps in solving problems creatively. It also makes life exciting.

   
   

4. Question: If you had a magical tollbooth, where would you go?

   Answer: With a magical tollbooth, I would go to a land of knowledge where every subject is taught through stories, fun, and adventures.

   
   

5. Question: What happens if we waste time like the Lethargarians?

   Answer: Wasting time like the Lethargarians leads to laziness and no progress. It prevents us from achieving goals and makes life dull.

   
   

True or False (5)

1. Milo was an adventurous boy who loved school. → False (He was bored and uninterested.)

2. The tollbooth was delivered to Milo as a mysterious parcel. → True

3. Milo travelled to the Kingdom of Wisdom. → True

4. The Lethargarians were hardworking creatures. → False (They were lazy and idle.)

5. The novel was written by Emily Dickinson. → False (It was written by Norton Juster.)

   
   

Probable Board / Exam Questions (5)

1. Question: Why was Milo bored in the beginning?

   Answer: Milo was bored because nothing interested him. He found everything, including school, to be a waste of time despite having comforts and toys.

   
   

2. Question: How did Milo receive the tollbooth?

   Answer: Milo received it as a mysterious parcel with a bright blue envelope addressed to him. It contained instructions, signs, coins, and a map.

   
   

3. Question: What did Milo find when he passed through the tollbooth?

   Answer: Milo found himself transported into an unknown land full of adventures. His room and house disappeared, and he was on a highway to the Kingdom of Wisdom.

   
   

4. Question: Who were the Lethargarians and what did they do?

   Answer: The Lethargarians were lazy creatures living in the Doldrums. They spent time delaying, daydreaming, and procrastinating instead of working.

   
   

5. Question: What is the message of The Phantom Tollbooth?

   Answer: The message is that curiosity, knowledge, and purposeful living make life meaningful. It warns against laziness and wasting time.

   
   

Appreciation / Reflection Paragraph

The lesson The Phantom Tollbooth is an engaging review of Norton Juster’s fantasy novel. It combines humour, imagination, and valuable life lessons. Milo’s transformation from boredom to curiosity makes the story inspiring for children. The description of unusual places and creatures like the Lethargarians adds creativity and fun. At the same time, the book conveys a deep message about valuing knowledge and using time wisely. The lesson is memorable because it mixes fantasy with practical wisdom, teaching that life becomes worthwhile when we learn, imagine, and act with purpose.

About BhashaLab

BhashaLab is a dynamic platform dedicated to the exploration and mastery of languages - operating both online and offline. Aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Credit Framework (NCrF), we offer language education that emphasizes measurable learning outcomes and recognized, transferable credits.

We offer:

1. NEP alligned offline language courses for degree colleges - English, Sanskrit, Marathi and Hindi

2. NEP alligned offline language courses for schools - English, Sanskrit, Marathi and Hindi

3. Std VIII, IX and X - English and Sanskrit Curriculum Tuitions - All boards

4. International English Olympiad Tuitions - All classes

5. Basic and Advanced English Grammar - Offline and Online - Class 3 and above

6. English Communication Skills for working professionals, adults and students - Offline and Online

Contact: +91 86577 20901, +91 97021 12044

Mail: info@bhashalab.com

Website: www.bhashalab.com

Found any mistakes or suggestions? Click here to send us your feedback!