The Phantom Tollbooth

King Azaz and the Mathemagician each believe they’re more important than the other. Pretend you’re Azaz and argue for his viewpoint, and then pretend you’re the Mathemagician and argue for his position. Finally, take the side of Rhyme and Reason and explain why both are important.

For each of the cities Dictionopolis and Digitopolis, give an example of how the citizens have become deranged, and explain how the “insanity” or chaos springs from the loss of Rhyme and Reason.

In the Forest of Sight, why is the city of Illusion visible and the city of Reality invisible? How might citizens change their behavior so that Reality can become visible again? How would that change improve their ability to see clearly?

Explain how someone can be both the smallest large person and the largest small person. Explain also how this requires a change in perspective.

In the Valley of Sound, the people hear only noise or silence. What caused this, and what must change in their hearts and minds to restore beautiful sounds?

Explain why both the Official Which and the Soundkeeper prefer silence to sound. How does Milo change their minds?

List three of the demons that Milo and friends encounter in the Mountains of Ignorance and explain how each represents a pitfall of thinking.

If the world is a place of wonders, why does anyone need an education to appreciate it? Why can’t we all just enjoy the world in ignorance?