Before Reading

The Phantom Tollbooth, Act One

Novel by Norton Juster
Dramatized by Susan Nanus

When is logic not

LOGICAL?
Has there ever been a time when you thought you were making
sense, but no one understood what you meant? In The Phantom
RL 4 Determine the meaning Tollbooth, a boy travels to a land where nothing makes sense.
of words and phrases as they
are used in a text, including There he finds that what he thinks is logical really isn’t.
figurative and connotative
meanings; analyze the
impact of a specific word QUICKWRITE Imagine that one day you arrive at school to find
choice on meaning and
tone. RL 5 Analyze how a
everyone behaving differently and nothing as it normally is. What
particular scene fits into the kinds of changes do you imagine taking place? Write one or two
overall structure of a text.
RL 7 Compare and contrast paragraphs describing people’s behavior, how things look, and how
a drama to a video version of you would feel.
the text.

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 Meet the Author
text analysis: humor
Writers often use humor to increase interest and entertain Norton Juster
readers. Writers add humor in a number of ways. They may born 1929

• have the characters speak and act in funny ways. Architect of Words
Playwrights may use personification, the technique of After spending many years working as
an architect, Norton Juster turned from
giving human qualities to an animal or object. In this play
constructing buildings to constructing
you will meet several personified characters, including a
elaborate wordplay. Juster traces his
Spelling Bee and a Watchdog named Tock.
love of puns back to his childhood,
• create events that lead to funny situations. saying that “as a child you have a
• add puns for comic effect. A pun is a deliberate confusion feeling you’re being oppressed by
of similar-sounding words or phrases that have different puns, though after a while you realize
meanings. For example, in The Phantom Tollbooth, the they’re a lot of fun.” He compares
Whether Man says that “it’s more important to know playing with words to “drawing
whether there will be weather than what the weather will outside of the lines” and encourages
be.” (pun: whether and weather) others to experiment with wordplay
and “follow an idea wherever it goes.”
As you read Act One of The Phantom Tollbooth, notice how
these elements add humor to the play. background to the novel
Words Versus Numbers
reading strategy: visualize Just as Norton Juster balances words
Details that tell you how something looks, sounds, smells, and numbers in his life, so, too, does
feels, or tastes help you visualize, or form a mental picture, the fantasy land featured in The
as you read. In plays, sensory details are often provided in Phantom Tollbooth. One king rules
stage directions, which give information about the setting, Dictionopolis, the kingdom of words,
characters’ speech and behavior, sound effects, and lighting. and another rules Digitopolis, the
As you read, create a log like the one shown to record the kingdom of numbers. A long-standing
stage directions that help you visualize what’s happening. feud divides the two: Are words or
numbers more important?
See Hear Smell Touch Taste Juster wrote The Phantom Tollbooth
as a novel. Susan Nanus later adapted
ticking
the story as a play. In 1970, Juster’s
book was made into an animated film.
Some images from the movie are used
vocabulary in context to illustrate the play in the pages that
Match the words from the play with their definitions. follow.
1. crag a. unhurried
2. dejectedly b. where a person is going Authorr
3. destination c. make a guess Onlinee
4. ferocious d. fierce Go to thinkcentral.com.
nkcentral.com..
KEYWORD:
D: HML6-533
5. leisurely e. cliff
6. surmise f. unhappily

Complete the activities in your Reader/Writer Notebook.

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 The
Phantom
Tollbooth
Norton Juster
Dramatized by Susan Nanus
CAST
(in order of appearance)
The Clock Three Word Merchants
Milo, a boy The Letterman (Fourth Word Merchant)
The Whether Man Spelling Bee
Six Lethargarians The Humbug
Tock, the Watchdog (same as The Clock) The Duke of Definition
Azaz the Unabridged, King of Dictionopolis The Minister of Meaning
The Mathemagician, King of Digitopolis The Earl of Essence
Princess Sweet Rhyme The Count of Connotation
Princess Pure Reason The Undersecretary of Understanding
Gatekeeper of Dictionopolis A Page

THE PHANTOM TOLLBOOTH © Turner Entertainment Co.

534 unit 4: sensory language, imagery, and style A Warner Bros. Entertainment Company. All Rights Reserved.

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534-550_NA_L06PE-u04s07-TolAct1.indd 535 1/17/11 1:48:28 PM
 The Set something simply because time tells us to. Time
It is recommended that the setting be either a for school, time for bed, whoops, 12:00, time
platform set, employing vertical pipes from which to be hungry. It can get a little silly, don’t you
banners, etc., are hung for various scenes, or a think? Time is important, but it’s what you do
book set, with the spine UC, the leaves of the book 20 with it that makes it so. So my advice to you
being painted drops1 which are turned like book is to use it. Keep your eyes open and your ears
leaves whenever the scene changes. perked. Otherwise it will pass before you know
it, and you’ll certainly have missed something!
The settings should be impressionistic rather than
realistic: Things have a habit of doing that, you know.
1. Milo’s bedroom: With shelves, pennants, Being here one minute and gone the next.
pictures on the wall, as well as suggestions In the twinkling of an eye.
of the characters of the Land of Wisdom. In a jiffy.
2. The road to the Land of Wisdom: A forest, In a flash!
from which the Whether Man and the I know a girl who yawned and missed a
Lethargarians emerge. 30 whole summer vacation. And what about that
3. Dictionopolis: A marketplace full of open air caveman who took a nap one afternoon, and
stalls as well as little shops. Letters and signs woke up to find himself completely alone.
should abound. There may be street signs and You see, while he was sleeping, someone had
lampposts in the shapes of large letters (large invented the wheel and everyone had moved
O’s and Q’s) and all windows and doors can to the suburbs. And then of course, there is
be in the shape of H’s and A’s. Milo. (Lights up to reveal Milo’s bedroom. The
Clock appears to be on a shelf in the room of
Act One Scene 1 a young boy—a room filled with books, toys,
The stage is completely dark and silent. Suddenly games, maps, papers, pencils, a bed, a desk. There
the sound of someone winding an alarm Clock is 40 is a dartboard with numbers and the face of the
heard, and after that, the sound of loud ticking is Mathemagician, a bedspread made from King
heard. Azaz’s cloak, a kite looking like the Spelling
Bee, a punching bag with the Humbug’s face,
Lights up on the Clock, a huge alarm clock. The
as well as records, a television, a toy car, and a
Clock reads 4:00. The lighting should make it
large box that is wrapped and has an envelope
appear that the Clock is suspended in mid-air
taped to the top. The sound of footsteps is heard,
(if possible). The Clock ticks for 30 seconds.
and then enter Milo dejectedly. He throws
Clock. See that! Half a minute gone by. Seems down his books and coat, flops into a chair, and
10 like a long time when you’re waiting for sighs loudly.) Who never knows what to do
something to happen, doesn’t it? Funny thing 50 with himself—not just sometimes, but always.
is, time can pass very slowly or very fast, and When he’s in school, he wants to be out, and
sometimes even both at once. The time now? when he’s out, he wants to be in. (During the
Oh, a little after four, but what that means following speech, Milo examines the various toys,
should depend on you. Too often, we do tools, and other possessions in the room, trying

1. painted drops: cloths that are painted to look like scenery, or, in this case, the pages of a book.

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 them out and rejecting them.) Wherever he is, he a cardboard imitation that Milo can fit into, and
wants to be somewhere else—and when he gets move by walking.)
there, so what. Everything is too much trouble Voice. “HAVE YOUR DESTINATION IN
or a waste of time. Books—he’s already read MIND.”
them. Games—boring. T.V.—dumb. So what’s Milo (pulls out the map). Now, let’s see. That’s
60 left? Another long, boring afternoon. Unless funny. I never heard of any of these places.
he bothers to notice a very large package that 100 Well, it doesn’t matter anyway. Dictionopolis.
happened to arrive today. That’s a weird name. I might as well go there.
Milo. (Suddenly notices the package. He drags (Begins to move, following map. Drives off.)
himself over to it, and disinterestedly reads the Clock. See what I mean? You never know how
label.) “For Milo, who has plenty of time.” things are going to get started. But when you’re
Well, that’s true. (sighs and looks at it) No. bored, what you need more than anything is a
(walks away) Well . . . (Comes back. Rips open rude awakening.
envelope and reads.)
(The alarm goes off very loudly as the stage
Voice. “One genuine turnpike tollbooth, easily
darkens. The sound of the alarm is transformed
70 assembled at home for use by those who have into the honking of a car horn, and then is joined
never traveled in lands beyond.” 110 by the blasts, bleeps, roars and growls of heavy
Milo. Beyond what? (continues reading) highway traffic. When the lights come up, Milo’s
Voice. “This package contains the following bedroom is gone and we see a lonely road in the
items:” (Milo pulls the items out of the box middle of nowhere.)
and sets them up as they are mentioned.) “One
(1) genuine turnpike tollbooth to be erected Act One Scene 2
according to directions. Three (3) precautionary The Road to Dictionopolis
signs to be used in a precautionary fashion.
Enter Milo in his car.
Assorted coins for paying tolls. One (1) map,
80 strictly up to date, showing how to get from Milo. This is weird! I don’t recognize any of
here to there. One (1) book of rules and traffic this scenery at all. (A sign is held up before
regulations which may not be bent or broken. Milo, startling him.) Huh? (reads) WELCOME
Warning! Results are not guaranteed. If not TO EXPECTATIONS. INFORMATION,
perfectly satisfied, your wasted time will be PREDICTIONS AND ADVICE
refunded.” 120 CHEERFULLY OFFERED. PARK HERE
AND BLOW HORN. (Milo blows horn.)
Milo (skeptically). Come off it, who do you
think you’re kidding? (walks around and Whether Man (A little man wearing a long coat
examines tollbooth) What am I supposed to do and carrying an umbrella pops up from behind
with this? (The ticking of the Clock grows loud the sign that he was holding. He speaks very fast
90 and impatient.) Well . . . what else do I have to and excitedly). My, my, my, my, my, welcome,
do. (Milo gets into his toy car and drives up to the welcome, welcome, welcome to the Land of
first sign. NOTE: The car may be an actual toy Expectations, Expectations, Expectations! We
car propelled by pedals or a small motor, or simply don’t get many travelers these days; we certainly

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 don’t get many travelers. Now what can I do about anything, whether it’s good or bad, up
130 for you? I’m the Whether Man. or down, rain or shine. Expect everything, I
Milo (referring to map). Uh . . . is this the right always say, and the unexpected never happens.
road to Dictionopolis? Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye, good . . . (A
Whether Man. Well now, well now, well now, I
loud clap of thunder is heard.) Oh dear! (He
don’t know of any wrong road to Dictionopolis, 170 looks up at the sky, puts out his hand to feel for
so if this road goes to Dictionopolis at all, it rain, and runs away. Milo watches puzzledly
must be the right road, and if it doesn’t, it must and drives on.)
be the right road to somewhere else, because Milo. I’d better get out of Expectations, but
there are no wrong roads to anywhere. Do you fast. Talking to a guy like that all day would
think it will rain? get me nowhere for sure. (He tries to speed up,
140 Milo. I thought you were the Weather Man.
but finds instead that he is moving slower and
slower.) Oh, oh, now what? (He can barely
Whether Man. Oh, no, I’m the Whether Man,
move. Behind Milo, the Lethargarians2 begin to
not the weather man. (pulls out a sign or opens enter from all parts of the stage. They are dressed
a flap of his coat, which reads: “WHETHER” ) 180 to blend in with the scenery and carry small
After all, it’s more important to know whether pillows that look like rocks. Whenever they fall
there will be weather than what the weather asleep, they rest on the pillows.) Now I really am
will be. getting nowhere. I hope I didn’t take a wrong
Milo. What kind of place is Expectations? turn. (The car stops. He tries to start it. It won’t
Whether Man. Good question, good question! move. He gets out and begins to tinker with it.)
Expectations is the place you must always go to I wonder where I am.
150 before you get where you are going. Of course, Lethargarian 1. You’re . . . in . . . the . . . Dol . . .
some people never go beyond Expectations, but drums3 . . . (Milo looks around.)
my job is to hurry them along whether they Lethargarian 2. Yes . . . the . . . Dol . . . drums . . .
like it or not. Now what else can I do for you? 190 (A yawn is heard.)
(opens his umbrella)
Milo (yelling). WHAT ARE THE
Milo. I think I can find my own way.
DOLDRUMS?
Whether Man. Splendid, splendid, splendid!
Lethargarian 3. The Doldrums, my friend, are
Whether or not you find your own way, where nothing ever happens and nothing ever
you’re bound to find some way. If you changes. (Parts of the scenery stand up or six
happen to find my way, please return it. I people come out of the scenery colored in the same
160 lost it years ago. I imagine by now it must be colors of the trees or the road. They move very
quite rusty. You did say it was going to rain, slowly and as soon as they move, they stop to rest
didn’t you? (escorts Milo to the car under the again.) Allow me to introduce all of us. We are
open umbrella) I’m glad you made your own 200 the Lethargarians at your service.
decision. I do so hate to make up my mind

2. Lethargarians (lDthQEr-jârPC-Enz): a made-up name based on the word lethargy. A Lethargarian would
thus be dull, inactive, or uncaring.
3. in the doldrums (dIlPdrEmzQ): the condition of being depressed or listless; here, the Doldrums refers to
an imaginary land.

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 Milo (uncertainly). Very pleased to meet you. Lethargarian 2. From 9:00 to 9:30 we take our
I think I’m lost. Can you help me? early midmorning nap . . .
Lethargarian 4. Don’t say think. (He yawns.) It’s 240 Lethargarian 3. From 9:30 to 10:30 we dawdle
against the law. and delay . . .
Lethargarian 1. No one’s allowed to think in the Lethargarian 4. From 10:30 to 11:30 we take
Doldrums. (He falls asleep.) our late early morning nap . . .
Lethargarian 2. Don’t you have a rule book? It’s Lethargarian 5. From 11:30 to 12:00 we bide
local ordinance4 175389-J. (He falls asleep.) our time5 and then we eat our lunch.
Milo (pulls out rule book and reads). Ordinance Lethargarian 6. From 1:00 to 2:00 we linger
210 175389-J: “It shall be unlawful, illegal and and loiter . . .
unethical to think, think of thinking, surmise, Lethargarian 1. From 2:00 to 2:30 we take our
presume, reason, meditate or speculate while in early afternoon nap . . .
the Doldrums. Anyone breaking this law shall 250 Lethargarian 2. From 2:30 to 3:30 we put off for
be severely punished.” That’s a ridiculous law! tomorrow what we could have done today . . .
Everybody thinks.
Lethargarian 3. From 3:30 to 4:00 we take our
All the Lethargarians. We don’t!
early late afternoon nap . . .
Lethargarian 2. And most of the time, you
Lethargarian 4. From 4:00 to 5:00 we loaf and
don’t, that’s why you’re here. You weren’t lounge until dinner . . .
thinking and you weren’t paying attention either.
Lethargarian 5. From 6:00 to 7:00 we dilly-
220 People who don’t pay attention often get stuck in
the Doldrums. Face it, most of the time, you’re dally . . .
just like us. (Falls, snoring, to the ground. Milo Lethargarian 6. From 7:00 to 8:00 we take our
laughs.) early evening nap and then for an hour before
Lethargarian 5. Stop that at once. Laughing is
260 we go to bed, we waste time.
against the law. Don’t you have a rule book? Lethargarian 1 (yawning). You see, it’s really quite
It’s local ordinance 574381-W. strenuous doing nothing all day long, and so
Milo (opens the rule book and reads). “In the
once a week, we take a holiday and go nowhere.
Doldrums, laughter is frowned upon and Lethargarian 5. Which is just where we were
smiling is permitted only on alternate going when you came along. Would you care
230 Thursdays.” Well, if you can’t laugh or to join us?
think, what can you do? Milo (yawning). That’s where I seem to be
Lethargarian 6. Anything as long as it’s going, anyway. (stretching) Tell me, does
nothing, and everything as long as it isn’t everyone here do nothing?
anything. There’s lots to do. We have a very 270 Lethargarian 3. Everyone but the terrible
busy schedule . . . Watchdog. He’s always sniffing around to see
Lethargarian 1. At 8:00 we get up and then we that nobody wastes time. A most unpleasant
spend from 8 to 9 daydreaming. character.

4. ordinance: a rule or law designed to control or govern behavior.

5. bide our time: an expression that means “to wait for further developments.”

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 Milo. The Watchdog? expands when it turns to ice, and all the words
Lethargarian 6. THE WATCHDOG! 310 that begin with “q,” and . . . (The wheels begin
All the Lethargarians (yelling at once). RUN!
to move.) We’re moving! We’re moving!
WAKE UP! RUN! HERE HE COMES! THE Watchdog. Keep thinking.
WATCHDOG! (They all run off. Enter a large Milo (thinking). How a steam engine works and
dog with the head, feet, and tail of a dog, and how to bake a pie and the difference between
280 the body of a clock, having the same face as the Fahrenheit and Centigrade . . .6
character the Clock.) Watchdog. Dictionopolis, here we come.
Watchdog. What are you doing here? Milo. Hey, Watchdog, are you coming along?
Milo. Nothing much. Just killing time. You Tock. You can call me Tock, and keep your eyes
see . . . on the road.
Watchdog. KILLING TIME! (His alarm rings 320 Milo. What kind of place is Dictionopolis,
in fury.) It’s bad enough wasting time without anyway?
killing it. What are you doing in the Doldrums, Tock. It’s where all the words in the world come
anyway? Don’t you have anywhere to go? from. It used to be a marvelous place, but ever
Milo. I think I was on my way to Dictionopolis since Rhyme and Reason7 left, it hasn’t been
290 when I got stuck here. Can you help me? the same.
Watchdog. Help you! You’ve got to help yourself. Milo. Rhyme and Reason?
I suppose you know why you got stuck. Tock. The two princesses. They used to settle
Milo. I guess I just wasn’t thinking. all the arguments between their two brothers
Watchdog. Precisely. Now you’re on your way. who rule over the Land of Wisdom. You see,
Milo. I am? 330 Azaz is the king of Dictionopolis and the
Watchdog. Of course. Since you got here by not
Mathemagician is the king of Digitopolis and
thinking, it seems reasonable that in order to they almost never see eye to eye on anything.
get out, you must start thinking. Do you mind It was the job of the Princesses Sweet Rhyme
if I get in? I love automobile rides. (He gets in. and Pure Reason to solve the differences
300 They wait.) Well? between the two kings, and they always did so
well that both sides usually went home feeling
Milo. All right. I’ll try. (screws up his face and
very satisfied. But then, one day, the kings had
thinks) Are we moving? an argument to end all arguments. . . .
Watchdog. Not yet. Think harder.
(The lights dim on Tock and Milo, and come up
Milo. I’m thinking as hard as I can. 340 on King Azaz of Dictionopolis on another part of
Watchdog. Well, think just a little harder than the stage. Azaz has a great stomach, a grey beard
that. Come on, you can do it. reaching to his waist, a small crown and a long
Milo. All right, all right. . . . I’m thinking of all robe with the letters of the alphabet written all
the planets in the solar system, and why water over it.)

6. Fahrenheit (fBrPEn-hFtQ) and Centigrade (sDnPtG-grAdQ): Fahrenheit is a temperature scale on which water
freezes at 32° and boils at 212°. On the Centigrade (or Celsius) scale, water freezes at 0° and boils at 100°.
7. Rhyme and Reason: sense or explanation. The princesses try to establish order. When they disappear,
there is “neither Rhyme nor Reason in this kingdom.”

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 RL 7

COMPARE A PLAY
AND A FILM
Most of the characters
in the play appear in
the film version of The
Phantom Tollbooth. Do
Tock and Milo look as
you expected them to?
Which part of they play
might they illustrate?

THE PHANTOM TOLLBOOTH © Turner Entertainment Co.

A Warner Bros. Entertainment Company. All Rights Reserved.

Azaz. Of course, I’ll abide by the decision of Azaz. A, B, C’s!

Rhyme and Reason, though I have no doubt as Mathemagician. 1, 2, 3’s! (A fanfare 8 is heard.)
to what it will be. They will choose words, of Azaz and Mathemagician (to each other). Quiet!
course. Everyone knows that words are more Rhyme and Reason are about to announce
important than numbers any day of the week. their decision.
350 (The Mathemagician appears opposite Azaz. 370 (Rhyme and Reason appear.)
The Mathemagician wears a long flowing robe
Rhyme. Ladies and gentlemen, letters and
covered entirely with complex mathematical
equations, and a tall pointed hat. He carries a numerals, fractions and punctuation marks—
long staff with a pencil point at one end and a may we have your attention, please. After
large rubber eraser at the other.) careful consideration of the problem set
before us by King Azaz of Dictionopolis
Mathemagician. That’s what you think, Azaz.
(Azaz bows.) and the Mathemagician of
People wouldn’t even know what day of the Digitopolis (Mathemagician raises his hands
week it is without numbers. Haven’t you ever in a victory salute.) we have come to the
looked at a calendar? Face it, Azaz. It’s numbers following conclusion:
360 that count.
380 Reason. Words and numbers are of equal value,
Azaz. Don’t be ridiculous. (to audience, as if
for in the cloak of knowledge, one is the warp
leading a cheer) Let’s hear it for WORDS! and the other is the woof.9
Mathemagician (to audience, in the same
Rhyme. It is no more important to count the
manner). Cast your vote for NUMBERS! sands than it is to name the stars.

8. fanfare: a loud blast of trumpets.

9. warp and . . . woof: In weaving, the warp is made of parallel threads stretched on a loom. The woof is
made of threads that wind between the warp threads to make cloth.

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 Rhyme and Reason. Therefore, let both Milo. I beg your pardon?
kingdoms, Dictionopolis and Digitopolis, live Gatekeeper. Buy or sell, buy or sell. Which is it?
in peace. (The sound of cheering is heard.) You must have come here for a reason.
Azaz. Boo! is what I say. Boo and Bah and Milo. Well, I . . .
Hiss! Gatekeeper. Come now, if you don’t have a
390 Mathemagician. What good are these girls reason, you must at least have an explanation
if they can’t even settle an argument in or certainly an excuse.
anyone’s favor? I think I have come to a 430 Milo (meekly). Uh . . . no.
decision of my own.
Gatekeeper (shaking his head). Very serious.
Azaz. So have I.
You can’t get in without a reason. (thoughtfully)
Azaz and Mathemagician (to the Princesses). Wait a minute. Maybe I have an old one you can
You are hereby banished from this land to the use. (pulls out an old suitcase from the tollbooth
Castle-in-the-Air. (to each other) And as for and rummages through it) No . . . no . . . no . . .
you, KEEP OUT OF MY WAY! (They stalk this won’t do . . . hmmm . . .
off in opposite directions.) Milo (to Tock). What’s he looking for? (Tock
400 (During this time, the set has been changed to the shrugs.)
Market Square of Dictionopolis. Lights come up Gatekeeper. Ah! This is fine. (Pulls out a
on the deserted square.) 440 medallion on a chain. Engraved in the medallion
Tock. And ever since then, there has been neither is: “WHY NOT?” ) Why not. That’s a good
Rhyme nor Reason in this kingdom. Words reason for almost anything . . . a bit used,
are misused and numbers mismanaged. The perhaps, but still quite serviceable. There you
argument between the two kings has divided are, sir. Now I can truly say: Welcome to
everyone and the real value of both words and Dictionopolis.
numbers has been forgotten. What a waste! (He opens the gate and walks off. Citizens and
Milo. Why doesn’t somebody rescue the Merchants appear on all levels of the stage, and
410 Princesses and set everything straight again? Milo and Tock find themselves in the middle of a
Tock. That is easier said than done. The Castle- noisy marketplace. As some people buy and sell their
in-the-Air is very far from here, and the one 450 wares, others hang a large banner which reads:
path which leads to it is guarded by ferocious WELCOME TO THE WORD MARKET.)
demons. But hold on, here we are. (A man Milo. Tock! Look!
appears, carrying a gate and a small tollbooth.) Merchant 1. Hey-ya, hey-ya, hey-ya, step right
Gatekeeper. AHHHHREMMMM! up and take your pick. Juicy tempting words
This is Dictionopolis, a happy kingdom, for sale. Get your fresh-picked “if’s,” “and’s”
advantageously located in the foothills of and “but’s”! Just take a look at these nice ripe
Confusion and caressed by gentle breezes “where’s” and “when’s.”
420 from the Sea of Knowledge. Today, by royal
proclamation, is Market Day. Have you come
to buy or sell?

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 Merchant 2. Step right up, step right up, fancy, are just too lazy to make their own words, but
best-quality words here for sale. Enrich your take it from me, not only is it more fun, but
460 vocabulary and expand your speech with such it’s also de-lightful, (holds up a “D” ) e-lating,12
elegant items as “quagmire,”10 “flabbergast,”11 (holds up an “E” ) and extremely useful! (holds
or “upholstery.” up a “U” )
Merchant 3. Words by the bag, buy them over Milo. But isn’t it difficult? I’m not very good at
here. Words by the bag for the more talkative 500 making words.
customer. A pound of “happy’s” at a very (The Spelling Bee, a large colorful bee, comes up
reasonable price . . . very useful for “Happy from behind.)
Birthday,” “Happy New Year,” “happy days,” Spelling Bee. Perhaps I can be of some
or “happy-go-lucky.” Or how about a package assistance . . . a-s-s-i-s-t-a-n-c-e. (The three turn
of “good’s,” always handy for “good morning,” around and see him.) Don’t be alarmed . . .
470 “good afternoon,” “good evening,” and a-l-a-r-m-e-d. I am the Spelling Bee. I can spell
“goodbye.” anything. Anything. A-n-y-t-h-i-n-g. Try me.
Milo. I can’t believe it. Did you ever see so Try me.
many words? Milo (backing off, Tock on his guard). Can you
Tock. They’re fine if you have something to say. 510 spell goodbye?
(They come to a Do-It-Yourself Bin.) Spelling Bee. Perhaps you are under the
Milo (to Merchant 4 at the bin). Excuse me, but misapprehension13 . . . m-i-s-a-p-p-r-e-h-e-n-s-
what are these? i-o-n that I am dangerous. Let me assure you
Merchant 4. These are for people who like that I am quite peaceful. Now, think of the
to make up their own words. You can pick most difficult word you can, and I’ll spell it.
480 any assortment you like or buy a special box Milo. Uh . . . o.k. (At this point, Milo may turn
complete with all the letters and a book of to the audience and ask them to help him choose
instructions. Here, taste an “A.” They’re very a word or he may think of one on his own.) How
good. (He pops one into Milo’s mouth.) about . . . “Curiosity”?
Milo (tastes it hesitantly). It’s sweet! (He eats it.) 520 Spelling Bee (winking). Let’s see now . . . uh . . .
Merchant 4. I knew you’d like it. “A” is one of how much time do I have?
our best-sellers. All of them aren’t that good, Milo. Just ten seconds. Count them off, Tock.
you know. The “Z,” for instance—very dry Spelling Bee (as Tock counts). Oh dear,
and sawdusty. And the “X”? Tastes like a oh dear. (just at the last moment, quickly)
trunkful of stale air. But most of the others C-u-r-i-o-s-i-t-y.
490 aren’t bad at all. Here, try the “I.”
Merchant 4. Correct! (All cheer.)
Milo (tasting). Cool! It tastes icy.
Milo. Can you spell anything?
Merchant 4 (to Tock). How about the “C” for
you? It’s as crunchy as a bone. Most people

10. quagmire (kwBgPmFrQ): has two meanings: land with a soft, muddy surface; a difficult situation.
11. flabbergast: to cause to be overcome with astonishment; astound.
12. elating (G-lAPtGng): making a person proud or joyful.
13. misapprehension (mGs-BpQrG-hDnPshEn): the misunderstanding of something.

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 Spelling Bee (proudly). Just about. You see, his arm around Milo) Take my advice, boy,
years ago, I was an ordinary bee minding and forget about it. As my great-great-great-
530 my own business, smelling flowers all day, grandfather George Washington Humbug
occasionally picking up part-time work in used to say . . .
people’s bonnets. Then one day, I realized Spelling Bee. You, sir, are an impostor i-m-p-o-
that I’d never amount to anything without an s-t-o-r who can’t even spell his own name!
education, so I decided that . . . Humbug. What? You dare to doubt my word?
Humbug (coming up in a booming voice). 570 The word of a Humbug? The word of a
BALDERDASH!14 (He wears a lavish coat, Humbug who has direct access to the ear
striped pants, checked vest, spats and a derby of a King? And the king shall hear of this, I
hat.) Let me repeat . . . BALDERDASH! promise you . . .
(swings his cane and clicks his heels in the air) Voice 1. Did someone call for the king?
540 Well, well, what have we here? Isn’t someone
Voice 2. Did you mention the monarch?
going to introduce me to the little boy?
Voice 3. Speak of the sovereign?
Spelling Bee (disdainfully). This is the
Humbug. You can’t trust a word he says. Voice 4. Entreat the emperor?
Humbug. NONSENSE! Everyone can trust a Voice 5. Hail his highness?
Humbug. As I was saying to the king just the (Five tall, thin gentlemen regally dressed in silks
other day . . . 580 and satins, plumed hats and buckled shoes appear
Spelling Bee. You’ve never met the king. (to as they speak.)
Milo) Don’t believe a thing he tells you. Milo. Who are they?
Humbug. Bosh, my boy, pure bosh. The Spelling Bee. The King’s advisors. Or in more
550 Humbugs are an old and noble family, formal terms, his cabinet.
honorable to the core. Why, we fought in the Minister 1. Greetings!
Crusades with Richard the Lionhearted,15 Minister 2. Salutations!
crossed the Atlantic with Columbus, blazed
Minister 3. Welcome!
trails with the pioneers. History is full of
Humbugs. Minister 4. Good afternoon!
Spelling Bee. A very pretty speech . . . s-p-e-e- Minister 5. Hello!
c-h. Now, why don’t you go away? I was just 590 Milo. Uh . . . Hi.
advising the lad of the importance of proper (All the Ministers, from here on called by their
spelling. numbers, unfold their scrolls and read in order.)
560 Humbug. BAH! As soon as you learn to spell Minister 1. By the order of Azaz the
one word, they ask you to spell another. You Unabridged16 . . .
can never catch up, so why bother? (puts Minister 2. King of Dictionopolis . . .

14. balderdash: nonsense.

15. Crusades with Richard the Lionhearted: The Crusades were journeys undertaken by European
Christians in the eleventh through thirteenth centuries to fight the Muslims for control of the Holy
Land. Richard the Lionhearted was an English king who led the Third Crusade (1190–1192).
16. unabridged: containing the original content; not shortened.

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 THE PHANTOM TOLLBOOTH © Turner Entertainment Co. A Warner Bros. Entertainment Company. All Rights Reserved.

Minister 3. Monarch of letters . . . 610 Minister 1. Of course.

Minister 4. Emperor of phrases, sentences, and Minister 2. Certainly.
miscellaneous figures of speech . . . Minister 3. Precisely.
Minister 5. We offer you the hospitality of our Minister 4. Exactly.
600 kingdom . . . Minister 5. Yes.
Minister 1. Country
Milo. Then why don’t you just use one?
Minister 2. Nation Wouldn’t that make a lot more sense?
Minister 3. State Minister 1. Nonsense!
Minister 4. Commonwealth Minister 2. Ridiculous!
Minister 5. Realm Minister 3. Fantastic!
Minister 1. Empire 620 Minister 4. Absurd!
Minister 2. Palatinate Minister 5. Bosh!
Minister 3. Principality. Minister 1. We’re not interested in making
Milo. Do all those words mean the same thing? sense. It’s not our job.

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 Minister 2. Besides, one word is as good as Azaz. Places. Everyone take your places. (All
another, so why not use them all? the characters, including the Humbug and the
Minister 3. Then you don’t have to choose Spelling Bee, who forget their quarrel, rush to
which one is right. take their places at the table. Milo and Tock sit
Minister 4. Besides, if one is right, then ten
near the King. Azaz looks at Milo.) And just
are ten times as right. who is this?
Milo. Your Highness, my name is Milo and
630 Minister 5. Obviously, you don’t know who
we are. (Each presents himself and Milo this is Tock. Thank you very much for inviting
acknowledges the introduction.)
670 us to your banquet, and I think your palace is
beautiful!
Minister 1. The Duke of Definition.
Minister 1. Exquisite.
Minister 2. The Minister of Meaning.
Minister 2. Lovely.
Minister 3. The Earl of Essence.
Minister 3. Handsome.
Minister 4. The Count of Connotation.
Minister 4. Pretty.
Minister 5. The Undersecretary of
Minister 5. Charming.
Understanding.
Azaz. SILENCE! Now tell me, young man,
All Five. And we have come to invite you to the
640 Royal Banquet. what can you do to entertain us? Sing songs?
Tell stories? Juggle plates? Do tumbling tricks?
Spelling Bee. The banquet! That’s quite an
680 Which is it?
honor, my boy. A real h-o-n-o-r.
Milo. I can’t do any of those things.
Humbug. DON’T BE RIDICULOUS!
Azaz. What an ordinary little boy. Can’t you
Everybody goes to the Royal Banquet these days.
do anything at all?
Spelling Bee (to the Humbug). True, everybody
Milo. Well . . . I can count to a thousand.
does go. But some people are invited and others
simply push their way in where they aren’t Azaz. AARGH, numbers! Never mention
wanted. numbers here. Only use them when we
Humbug. HOW DARE YOU? You buzzing
absolutely have to. Now, why don’t we
650 little upstart, I’ll show you who’s not wanted . . . change the subject and have some dinner?
(raises his cane threateningly) Since you are the guest of honor, you may
690 pick the menu.
Spelling Bee. You just watch it! I’m warning
Milo. Me? Well, uh . . . I’m not very hungry.
w-a-r-n-i-n-g you! (At that moment, an ear-
shattering blast of trumpets, entirely off-key, is Can we just have a light snack?
heard, and a Page appears.) Azaz. A light snack it shall be!
Page. King Azaz the Unabridged is about (Azaz claps his hands. Waiters rush in with
to begin the Royal Banquet. All guests who covered trays. When they are uncovered, shafts of
do not appear promptly at the table will light pour out. The light may be created through
automatically lose their place. (A huge table the use of battery-operated flashlights which
660 is carried out with King Azaz sitting in a large are secured in the trays and covered with a false
chair, carried out at the head of the table.) bottom. The guests help themselves.)

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 THE PHANTOM TOLLBOOTH © Turner Entertainment Co. A Warner Bros. Entertainment Company. All Rights Reserved.

700 Humbug. Not a very substantial meal. Maybe Azaz. That’s quite enough. Musn’t talk all day.
you can suggest something a little more filling. Milo. But I just started to . . .
Milo. Well, in that case, I think we ought to Azaz. NEXT!
have a square meal . . . Humbug (quickly). Roast turkey, mashed
Azaz (claps his hands). A square meal it is! potatoes, vanilla ice cream.
(Waiters serve trays of colored squares of all sizes. Spelling Bee. Hamburgers, corn on the cob,
People serve themselves.) 720 chocolate pudding p-u-d-d-i-n-g. (Each guest
Spelling Bee. These are awful. (Humbug names two dishes and a dessert.)
coughs and all the guests do not care for the food.) Azaz (the last). Pate de fois gras, soupe a
Azaz (claps his hands and the trays are removed ). l’oignon, salade endives, fromage et fruits et
710 Time for speeches. (to Milo) You first. demi-tasse.17 (He claps his hands. Waiters serve
Milo (hesitantly). Your Majesty, ladies each guest his words.) Dig on. (to Milo) Though
and gentlemen, I would like to take this I can’t say I think much of your choice.
opportunity to say that . . . Milo. I didn’t know I was going to have to eat
my words.
17. pate de fois gras . . . demi-tasse: French: pâté de fois gras (pä-tA dE fwä gräP): a paste made from goose
liver; soupe a l’oignon (sLp ä läNPnôn): onion soup; salade endives (sä-lädP DnPdFvQ): lettuce salad;
fromage et fruits (frIPmäj D frLPC): cheese and fruit; demitasse (dDmPC-tBsQ): a small cup of strong, black
coffee.

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 Azaz. Of course, of course, everybody here does. Azaz. And now for a few closing words.
730 Your speech should have been in better taste. Attention! Let me have your attention!
Minister 1. Here, try some somersault. It (Everyone leaps up and exits, except for Milo, Tock
improves the flavor. and the Humbug.) Loyal subjects and friends,
Minister 2. Have a rigamarole.18 (offers
once again on this gala occasion, we
breadbasket) have . . .
Milo. Excuse me, but everybody left.
Minister 3. Or a ragamuffin.19
Azaz (sadly). I was hoping no one would notice.
Minister 4. Perhaps you’d care for a synonym
bun. It happens every time.
770 Humbug. They’ve gone to dinner, and as soon
Minister 5. Why not wait for your just desserts?
as I finish this last bite, I shall join them.
Azaz. Ah yes, the dessert. We’re having a special
Milo. That’s ridiculous. How can they eat
740 treat today . . . freshly made at the half-bakery.
dinner right after a banquet?
Milo. The half-bakery?
Azaz. SCANDALOUS! We’ll put a stop to
Azaz. Of course, the half-bakery! Where do you
it at once. From now on, by royal command,
think half-baked ideas come from? Now, please everyone must eat dinner before the banquet.
don’t interrupt. By royal command, the pastry
Milo. But that’s just as bad.
chefs have . . .
Humbug. Or just as good. Things which are
Milo. What’s a half-baked idea?
equally bad are also equally good. Try to look
(Azaz gives up the idea of speaking as a cart is 780 at the bright side of things.
wheeled in and the guests help themselves.)
Milo. I don’t know which side of anything to
Humbug. They’re very tasty, but they don’t
look at. Everything is so confusing, and all
750 always agree with you. Here’s a good one. your words only make things worse.
(Humbug hands one to Milo.)
Azaz. How true. There must be something we
Milo (reads). “The earth is flat.”
can do about it.
Spelling Bee. People swallowed that one for
Humbug. Pass a law.
years. (picks up one and reads) “The moon is
Azaz. We have almost as many laws as words.
made of green cheese.” Now, there’s a half-
baked idea. Humbug. Offer a reward. (Azaz shakes his head
(Everyone chooses one and eats. They include: and looks madder at each suggestion.) Send for
“It Never Rains but Pours,” “Night Air Is Bad 790 help? Drive a bargain? Pull the switch? Lower
Air,” “Everything Happens for the Best,” “Coffee the boom?20 Toe the line? (As Azaz continues to
760 Stunts Your Growth.” ) scowl, the Humbug loses confidence and finally
gives up.)

18. rigamarole (rGgPE-mE-rIlQ): has two meanings: confused or rambling conversation; a complicated set of
procedures. Here, the writer is playing off the word roll, as in dinner roll.
19. ragamuffin (rBgPE-mOfQGn): a shabbily dressed, dirty child. Here, the writer is playing off the word muffin.
20. lower the boom: a sailing term that refers to the boom of a sailboat, the long poll that extends from
the mast and holds or extends the foot of the sail. To lower the boom is to put the boom of the sailboat
down. The phrase can also be slang for “scold harshly.”

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 Milo. Maybe you should let Rhyme and Reason limb to limb and devour him down to his
return. belt buckle. And finally after doing all that,
Azaz. How nice that would be. Even if they a triumphal parade! If, of course, there is
were a bother at times, things always went so anything left to parade . . . followed by hot
well when they were here. But I’m afraid it chocolate and cookies for everyone.
can’t be done. Azaz. I never realized it would be so simple.
800 Humbug. Certainly not. Can’t be done. Milo. It sounds dangerous to me.
Milo. Why not? Tock. And just who is supposed to make that
Humbug (now siding with Milo). Why not, journey?
indeed? 840 Azaz. A very good question. But there is one far
Azaz. Much too difficult. more serious problem.
Humbug. Of course, much too difficult. Milo. What’s that?
Milo. You could, if you really wanted to. Azaz. I’m afraid I can’t tell you that until you
Humbug. By all means, if you really wanted to,
return.
you could. Milo. But wait a minute, I didn’t . . .
Azaz (to Humbug). How? Azaz. Dictionopolis will always be grateful to
810 Milo (also to Humbug). Yeah, how?
you, my boy and your dog. (Azaz pats Tock
and Milo.)
Humbug. Why . . . uh, it’s a simple task for a
Tock. Now, just one moment, sire . . .
brave boy with a stout heart, a steadfast dog
and a serviceable small automobile. 850 Azaz. You will face many dangers on your
Azaz. Go on.
journey, but fear not, for I can give you
something for your protection. (Azaz gives
Humbug. Well, all that he would have to do
Milo a box.) In this box are the letters of
is cross the dangerous, unknown countryside the alphabet. With them you can form all
between here and Digitopolis, where he the words you will ever need to help you
would have to persuade the Mathemagician overcome the obstacles that may stand in
to release the Princesses, which we know to be your path. All you must do is use them well
820 impossible because the Mathemagician will and in the right places.
never agree with Azaz about anything. Once
Milo (miserably). Thanks a lot.
achieving that, it’s a simple matter of entering
the Mountains of Ignorance from where no one 860 Azaz. You will need a guide, of course, and
has ever returned alive, an effortless climb up a since he knows the obstacles so well, the
two-thousand-foot stairway without railings in Humbug has cheerfully volunteered to
a high wind at night to the Castle-in-the-Air. accompany you.
After a pleasant chat with the Princesses, all Humbug. Now, see here . . . !
that remains is a leisurely ride back through Azaz. You will find him dependable, brave,
those chaotic crags where the frightening resourceful and loyal.
830 fiends have sworn to tear any intruder from

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 RL 7

COMPARE A PLAY
AND A FILM
The illustrations for
this play come from
the film version of The
Phantom Tollbooth.
What similarities
and differences in
the setting, plot, and
characters do you
recognize between the
play and the film?

THE PHANTOM TOLLBOOTH © Turner Entertainment Co. A Warner Bros.

Entertainment Company. All Rights Reserved.

Humbug (flattered ). Oh, Your Majesty. Milo. What was that?

Milo. I’m sure he’ll be a great help. (They Tock. It came from up ahead.
approach the car.) Humbug. It’s something terrible, I just know it.
870 Tock. I hope so. It looks like we’re going to 880 Oh, no. Something dreadful is going to happen
need it. to us. I can feel it in my bones. (The noise is
(The lights darken and the King fades from view.) repeated. They all look at each other fearfully as
Azaz. Good luck! Drive carefully! (The three
the lights fade.)
get into the car and begin to move. Suddenly a (end Act One)
thunderously loud noise is heard. They slow down
the car.)

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 After Reading

Comprehension
1. Recall Why does Milo receive the unusual package? RL 4 Determine the meaning
of words and phrases as they
2. Recall What forbidden activity does Milo perform in order to get himself are used in a text, including
figurative and connotative
out of the Doldrums? meanings; analyze the
impact of a specific word
3. Summarize Briefly explain the events that led to the banishment of choice on meaning and
tone. RL 5 Analyze how a
Rhyme and Reason. particular scene fits into the
overall structure of a text.
RL 7 Compare and contrast
Text Analysis a drama to a video version of
the text.
4. Visualize Review your log of stage directions. Use the details you listed to
visualize the characters or settings they describe. Which details are most
effective at helping you visualize?
5. Examine a Character How has Milo’s life changed from the beginning
of Act One to the end of Act One?
6. Analyze Humor Review the definition of a pun on page 533. Then use a
chart to record examples of puns that appear in the play. For each, explain
the different meanings the word or words can have.

Pun Real Meaning Humorous Meaning

watchdog a dog that watches a dog that has the body
over people or a place of a clock (like a watch)

7. Analyze Personification Choose one of the personified characters in the

play. Which traits made that character human? Explain.
8. Compare and Contrast Review the play’s illustrations. How well do you
think the images from the animated film represent the humorous spirit of
the play? Cite examples of characters, plot, and settings from the play in
your response.

Extension and Challenge

9. Creative Project: Art Sketch a character or a setting in the play based on
the details you used earlier to help you visualize.
10. Readers’ Circle Literature that contains at least one unreal or impossible
element is called fantasy. In a small group, make a list of elements that
show why The Phantom Toolbooth is a work of fantasy.

When is logic not LOGICAL?

What amused you about the unusual circumstances in the play? Would
you have reacted in a logical way if you had been in Milo’s situation?

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 Name Date

The Phantom Tollbooth, Act One Copy Master

Reading Check
Directions:  Recall the characters and events in the story. Then answer the questions
in sentences or phrases.
1. How is Milo’s attitude toward time different at the end of the play than it was at the
beginning?
The Phantom Tollbooth, Act One

2. What happens to Milo the longer he stays in the Doldrums?

3. What gifts do the two rulers give to Milo and how does he use them?

4. In what ways are the Mathemagician and King Azaz similar?

Copyright © Holt McDougal, a division of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

5. What is the Terrible Trivium’s argument for doing only unimportant things?

172 Unit 4 Resource Manager

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The Phantom Tollbooth, Act One Copy Master

Question Support
Text Analysis
For questions 1–3, see page 551 of the Student Edition.
Directions:  Answer the questions.
4. Visualize  Write the name of one character from the play. Review the stage
directions, and explain which details help you to visualize that character.
Name:
Details:

The Phantom Tollbooth, Act One

5. Examine A Character  Describe Milo at the beginning of Act One. Has he
changed in any way at the end of the act? Explain your answer. 

6. Analyze Humor  A pun is a confusion of similar-sounding words or phrases

that have different meanings, often for humor. Below is a pun. Describe its real
meaning as well as its funny meaning.
“Light snack”
Copyright © Holt McDougal, a division of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Real meaning:
Funny meaning:
7. Analyze Personification  What do you learn about Rhyme and Reason in the play?
Are they good characters? Are they intelligent? Explain your answer. 

8. Compare and Contrast  Do you think the illustrations reflect the humor in the
play? Explain.

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The Phantom Tollbooth, Act One Copy Master

Reading Strategy
Visualize
Details that tell you how something looks, sounds, smells, feels, or tastes help you
visualize, or form a mental picture, as you read. In plays, these sensory details are
often found in stage directions, which give information about the setting, characters’
speech and behavior, sound effects, and lighting.

Directions:  In the chart, record the stage directions that help you visualize what is
happening. An example has been done for you.

The Phantom Tollbooth, Act One

See Hear Smell Touch Taste

ticking
Copyright © Holt McDougal, a division of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

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 Name Date

The Phantom Tollbooth, Act One Copy Master

Text Analysis
Humor
Writers often use humor to increase interest and entertain readers. One way a writer
adds humor is by using puns for comic effect. A pun is a deliberate confusion of
similar-sounding words or phrases that have different meanings. Here is an example
from the story.
“ . . . a synonym bun.” (pun: synonym and cinnamon)

Directions:  In the first column of the chart, record examples of puns that appear
in the play. In the second column, explain the real meaning of the pun. In the third

The Phantom Tollbooth, Act One

column, explain the humorous meaning of the pun. Use a dictionary or thesaurus, if
needed. An example has been done for you.

Pun Real Meaning Humorous Meaning

Watchdog A dog that watches over A dog that has the body of a
people or a place clock (like a watch)
Copyright © Holt McDougal, a division of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

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The Phantom Tollbooth, Act One Copy Master

Vocabulary Study
Cloze Practice

crag dejectedly destination ferocious leisurely surmise

A.  Directions:  As your teacher reads each set of sentences, listen for the boldfaced
word. Then discuss the possible meaning of the word.
1. The parachute caught on the crag of the mountain before floating to the ground

The Phantom Tollbooth, Act One

below.
From the road, the crag of the hill looked like a fist.
2. The small girl trudged home dejectedly after her bad day at school.
The athlete dejectedly shook his head when asked if he would play in the
championship game.
3. Herdestination after college is medical school.
Because we had no map, it took us many extra hours to reach our destination.
4. The ferocious dog bared his teeth at us as we passed.
The weather report described the storm as ferocious, battering everything in its
path.
5. The visitors took a leisurely stroll around the famous gardens.
While some of her coworkers huff and puff their way through the day, Sarah has
Copyright © Holt McDougal, a division of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

a more leisurely approach to her job.

6. Isurmise that the store will be packed for the sale.
The analyst surmised that stocks would rise as a result of the president’s speech.

Directions:  Listen as your teacher reads the story. Then complete the story, using
B. 
words from the box.

Despite the 1. ______________ wind pushing them off balance, Pedro

and his guide decided to risk climbing the mountain. Halfway to their
2. _____________ they encountered a steep 3. _____________ jutting out
from the mountainside. Although Pedro tried several times to scale the cliff,
he could not, even with the guide’s help. 4. _____________ he turned around,
disappointed by his failure. Then he and the guide began a 5. _____________
descent, taking their time to reach the bottom. As they packed up their
equipment, Pedro said, “I can 6. _____________ what you are going to tell
me. I need more practice, right?”

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