The story “The Adventures of Toto” by Ruskin Bond is a delightful and humorous narrative about a mischievous monkey named Toto. The story revolves around Toto’s antics after being brought home by the narrator’s grandfather. From tearing curtains to soaking himself in the warm bathwater, Toto’s playful mischiefs create a series of amusing situations. One such memorable moment in the story occurs when the ticket collector on a train calls Toto a dog and charges a fare accordingly.
But why did the ticket collector refer to Toto as a dog? Was it a mistake, a clever trick, or simply a reflection of the rules? Let’s explore the reasons behind this incident and its significance in the context of the story’s humor, social commentary, and the portrayal of human behavior.
1. Strict Adherence to Railway Rules
One of the primary reasons the ticket collector called Toto a dog was his strict adherence to the railway rules. During the British era, when the story is set, Indian Railways had specific regulations regarding the transportation of animals. The fare for animals like dogs, birds, and goats was predefined, but there were no clear rules about monkeys.
Faced with the unusual situation of a monkey being carried in a train, the ticket collector resorted to the closest available classification in the rulebook—a dog. Since there was no mention of monkeys in the guidelines, he treated Toto as a dog to justify charging the extra fare. His action reflects how people sometimes rigidly follow rules without applying logic or flexibility.
2. Monkeys Were Not Common Train Passengers
Another reason the ticket collector referred to Toto as a dog was the uncommon nature of the situation. It was unusual for people to travel with monkeys as pets, especially on trains. Dogs, on the other hand, were relatively common companions and thus had a specified category in the railway fare chart.
Since the ticket collector had likely never encountered a monkey passenger before, he improvised by labeling Toto as a dog. This incident adds humor to the story, as readers recognize the absurdity of comparing a monkey’s behavior and characteristics to those of a dog.
3. A Practical Decision for Revenue Collection
The ticket collector’s decision could also be seen as a practical move aimed at collecting revenue. Railways charged additional fares for animals based on the inconvenience they might cause to other passengers. Since Toto was a lively and mischievous creature, capable of disturbing fellow travelers, the ticket collector likely believed it was fair to charge a fare.
Dogs were categorized as animals that could potentially disturb passengers; hence, a similar logic was applied to Toto. By calling Toto a dog, the ticket collector ensured that the railway’s rules were enforced and the appropriate fare was collected, even if the classification was inaccurate.
4. The Humorous Tone of the Story
Ruskin Bond’s storytelling is known for its humor and light-heartedness, and this incident perfectly captures that tone. The idea of a monkey being mistaken for a dog and charged accordingly is inherently comical. It showcases the bureaucratic absurdities that arise when rules fail to account for unusual situations.
The author uses this moment to highlight the rigid mindset of certain officials who, instead of addressing unique situations with flexibility, choose the easiest available solution. This playful criticism adds depth to the story, making it more than just a tale about a naughty monkey.
5. A Commentary on Human Perception and Labels
On a deeper level, the ticket collector calling Toto a dog can be seen as a commentary on human tendency to categorize and label everything. When confronted with something unfamiliar, people often try to fit it into existing categories, even if the fit is imperfect.
The ticket collector’s inability to recognize Toto for what he was—a monkey—and his decision to classify him as a dog, underscores this human habit. The story humorously points out how society prefers predefined labels over acknowledging uniqueness, even in the most obvious circumstances.
6. The Grandfather’s Reaction: A Lesson in Wit
The grandfather’s witty argument with the ticket collector adds another layer of humor to the incident. Grandfather questions the logic of classifying Toto as a dog, but the ticket collector remains adamant. This exchange highlights how logic and bureaucracy often clash, especially when dealing with rigid systems.
Grandfather’s playful acceptance of the situation shows his good-natured personality and ability to laugh at the absurdities of life. His reaction teaches readers to handle such illogical situations with grace and humor, rather than frustration.
Conclusion
The ticket collector called Toto a dog because of a combination of rigid adherence to rules, lack of specific regulations for monkeys, and a practical approach to fare collection. The incident also reflects the bureaucratic absurdities of the time, where officials preferred following rules blindly rather than applying common sense.
Ruskin Bond masterfully uses this humorous situation to entertain readers while subtly critiquing the human tendency to force everything into predefined categories. The event adds charm to “The Adventures of Toto”, making it a delightful read that highlights the quirks of both humans and animals in a light-hearted, engaging manner.
Rahul Kumar is a passionate educator, writer, and subject matter expert in the field of education and professional development. As an author on CoursesXpert, Rahul Kumar’s articles cover a wide range of topics, from various courses, educational and career guidance.
