Summary, Questions, Answers, Extra Questions - The Adventures of Toto - NCERT Class 9, Chapter 2

Summary of The Adventures of Toto

'The Adventures of Toto', written by Ruskin Bond, is a humorous account of a mischievous monkey named Toto. Grandfather buys Toto from a tonga-driver and secretly keeps him in the house, much to Grandmother’s dismay. Toto’s mischief causes chaos, from tearing down wallpaper to almost boiling himself alive in a kettle. Finally, realizing Toto’s troublesomeness, Grandfather sells him back to the tonga-driver.

The Adventures of Toto in Hindi

'टो के एडवेंचर्स' रस्किन बॉन्ड द्वारा लिखित एक हास्यपूर्ण कहानी है जो एक शरारती बंदर टो के बारे में है। दादाजी टो को एक टोंगा चालक से खरीदते हैं और दादी की नाराजगी के बावजूद उसे घर में चुपके से रखते हैं। टो की शरारतों से घर में अराजकता फैल जाती है, दीवारों को फाड़ने से लेकर खुद को केतली में लगभग उबालने तक। अंततः, दादाजी टो की परेशानियों को समझते हुए उसे वापस टोंगा चालक को बेच देते हैं।

THINK ABOUT IT

1. How does Toto come to grandfather’s private zoo?

Toto was bought by the grandfather from a tonga-driver for the sum of five rupees. The tonga-driver kept the little red monkey tied to a feeding-trough, and Toto’s mischievous and attractive nature led the grandfather to add him to his collection of pets.

2. “Toto was a pretty monkey.” In what sense is Toto pretty?

Toto is described as pretty because of his bright eyes that sparkled with mischief, his pearly white teeth that he often displayed in a wide grin, and his quick, nimble fingers. His tail, which served as a third hand, added to his good looks, according to the grandfather.

3. Why does grandfather take Toto to Saharanpur and how? Why does the ticket collector insist on calling Toto a dog?

Grandfather took Toto to Saharanpur because he was leaving Dehra Dun to collect his pension and didn’t want to leave the mischievous Toto behind. He carried Toto in a big black canvas bag. When Toto peeked out of the bag at the railway station, the ticket collector insisted on calling Toto a dog and charged three rupees for his fare, as per the rules for carrying animals.

4. How does Toto take a bath? Where has he learnt to do this? How does Toto almost boil himself alive?

Toto enjoyed taking a bath in warm water. He would test the temperature with his hand, gradually step into the water, and use soap to wash himself. He learned this by watching the narrator. One day, Toto got into a kettle of warm water but didn’t realize that the water was on the stove and would soon boil. Fortunately, Grandmother arrived in time to pull him out before he could seriously harm himself.

5. Why does the author say, “Toto was not the sort of pet we could keep for long”?

The author says this because Toto’s mischievous nature caused a lot of damage around the house. He tore clothes, broke dishes, and generally created chaos wherever he went. The family couldn’t afford to constantly repair the damage, so they decided it was best to return Toto to the tonga-driver.

TALK ABOUT IT

Do you have a pet? Is your pet mischievous? Tell the class about it.

Share your experiences about your pet, especially if they are mischievous like Toto. Talk about any funny or memorable incidents involving your pet.

About the Author

Ruskin Bond is a renowned Indian author known for his simple yet profound storytelling. 'The Adventures of Toto' reflects his knack for portraying animals in a humorous and engaging manner, while highlighting the bond between humans and animals.