Activity Overview
In this activity, students will identify a theme from The Phantom Tollbooth and support the theme with three scenes from the text.
Time
The main character is always rushing to be nowhere in particular, or wasting time because he has nothing to do. Later, he meets Tock, a watchdog whose job it is to make sure that nobody ever wastes any time. At the end of the novel, Milo believes that his parents will be worried because he had been gone for such a long time. However, it turns out that Milo had only been gone an hour.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that identifies recurring themes in The Phantom Tollbooth. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the theme(s) from The Phantom Tollbooth you wish to include and replace the "Theme 1" text.
- Create an image for an example that represents this theme.
- Write a description of each of the examples.
Lesson Plan Reference
- [ELA-Literacy/RL/6/2] Determine a theme or central idea of a text and how it is conveyed through particular details; provide a summary of the text distinct from personal opinions or judgments
- [ELA-Literacy/RL/6/5] Analyze how a particular sentence, chapter, scene, or stanza fits into the overall structure of a text and contributes to the development of the theme, setting, or plot
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identify Theme(s) | All themes are correctly identified as important recurring topics or messages in the story. | Some themes are correctly identified, but others are missing or do not make sense with the story. | No themes are correctly identified. |
| Identify Symbol(s) | All symbols are correctly identified as objects that represent something else at a higher level in the story. | Most symbols are correctly identified, but some objects are missing or are incorrectly identified as significant symbols. | No symbols are correctly identified. |
| Identify Motif(s) | All motifs are correctly identified as important recurring features or ideas in the story. | Some motifs are correctly identified, but others are missing or incorrect. | No motifs are correctly identified. |
| Examples | All examples support the identified themes, symbols, and motifs. Descriptions clearly say why examples are significant. | Most examples fit the identified themes, symbols, and motifs. Descriptions say why examples are significant. | Most examples do not fit the identified themes, symbols, and motifs. Descriptions are unclear. |
| Depiction | Storyboard cells clearly show connection with the themes, symbols, and motifs and help with understanding. | Most storyboard cells help to show the themes, symbols, and motifs, but some storyboard cells are difficult to understand. | Storyboard cells do not help in understanding the themes, symbols, and motifs. |
How To Analyze Various Themes Present in “The Phantom Tollbooth”
Identify and Discuss Themes
Introduce students to the concept of themes and central ideas and how they play a significant role in the narrative and its development. Teachers can also discuss some universal themes as examples such as justice, relationships, growth, etc. Help the students identify the specific themes present in “The Phantom Tollbooth” and conduct a general discussion on its central ideas.
Examine the Purpose of the Lands Beyond
Examine and contrast the various facets of the human experience as represented by the Lands Beyond. Ask students to discuss how each of the lands Milo visits adds to the exploration of themes as they compare and contrast them. Think of talking about the Doldrums, Digitopolis, and Dictionopolis, to name a few.
Give Visuals and Graphics
Aim for students to produce mental maps, concept maps, or diagrams that show how the book's topics are connected to one another. Visual aids can assist students in planning their thoughts and create a comprehensive analysis.
Relate to Real-World Scenarios
Connect the themes to instances from everyday life. Students should be encouraged to consider the ways in which the principles learned in "The Phantom Tollbooth" might be applied to their own lives, their education, and the wider community. Talk about instances of indifference or circumstances where using reason and imagination in moderation is necessary.
Compare Narratives
Ask the students to ponder if they have found similar themes in other narratives or stories they have read and to try and compare the development of similar themes in different narratives. This can help students understand how one theme can be used to portray different ideas and result in different outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Themes in “The Phantom Tollbooth”
In what ways do the many settings in the narrative aid in the examination of various themes?
Every land in the Lands Beyond adds to the thematic investigation and symbolizes a distinct facet of the human experience. To comprehend the thematic relevance of places like the Foothills of Confusion, the Mountains of Ignorance, and the Valley of Sound, students should examine their features. Students can try creating visual representations of these settings and try to analyze the symbolism present in these settings from various perspectives.
How does the writer express themes through symbolism in “The Phantom Tollbooth”?
Throughout the book, symbolism is used to express deeper meanings. In the Mountains of Ignorance, figures such as Tock, the watchdog, the Humbug, and the demons have symbolic meanings that students can investigate and discuss in relation to the topics.
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