Think about It
1. How does Toto come to grandfather's private zoo?
Answer: Grandfather bought Toto from a tonga-driver for five rupees. The tonga-driver kept the little red monkey tied to a feeding-trough, and the monkey looked so out of place that Grandfather decided to add him to his private zoo.
2. "Toto was a pretty monkey." In what sense is Toto pretty?
Answer: Toto was pretty in the sense that he had bright eyes that sparkled with mischief beneath deep-set eyebrows. His teeth were pearly white and were often displayed in a smile. His tail added to his good looks and served as a third hand. His fingers were quick and wicked, and his hands looked dried-up as though they had been pickled in the sun for many years.
3. Why does grandfather take Toto to Saharanpur and how? Why does the ticket collector insist on calling Toto a dog?
Answer: Grandfather took Toto to Saharanpur because he had to leave Dehra Dun next day to collect his pension in Saharanpur. He took him in a big black canvas kit-bag with some straw at the bottom. The ticket collector insisted on calling Toto a dog because when Toto poked his head out of the bag and gave him a wide grin, the collector said, "Sir, you have a dog with you. You'll have to pay for it accordingly." Despite Grandfather's protests, Toto was classified as a dog and three rupees was charged as his fare.
4. How does Toto take a bath? Where has he learnt to do this? How does Toto almost boil himself alive?
Answer: Toto takes a bath by cunningly testing the temperature with his hand, then gradually stepping into the bath, first one foot, then the other, until he is up to his neck. He learnt this by watching the author doing it. Toto almost boiled himself alive when he got into a large kitchen kettle that had been left on the fire to boil for tea. He found the water warm enough for a bath, got in with his head sticking out, and then the water began to boil. He kept hopping up and down until Grandmother hauled him out, half-boiled.
5. Why does the author say, "Toto was not the sort of pet we could keep for long"?
Answer: The author says, "Toto was not the sort of pet we could keep for long" because Toto was extremely mischievous. He tore things to pieces, including the author's blazer, dresses, and curtains. He threw plates, stole food, and broke dishes. The family was not well-to-do and could not afford the frequent losses. So Grandfather sold him back to the tonga-driver for three rupees.
Talk about It
Do you have a pet? Is your pet mischievous? Tell the class about it.
Answer: (Sample response) Yes, I have a pet dog named Bruno. He is very mischievous. He loves to chew on shoes and socks, and he often hides them under the sofa. He also barks at strangers and chases the neighbourhood cats. But he is also very loving and playful. He waits for me at the door when I come home from school and loves to play fetch. Even though he creates a mess sometimes, I love him very much.
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