- 1
Why do you think the title of chapter 5 is "Short Shrift"? What does that mean? Are there other characters so far in the book that have been named like this? What function does it have in the novel?
The title is named "Short Shrift" because Officer Shrift is very short. To give someone "short shrift" is to give someone brief and unsympathetic treatment; this is exactly how Officer Shrift treated Milo in investigating his supposed crime. Naming characters and places according to the abstract principle they represent or an aspect of their personality happens frequently in The Phantom Tollbooth. Examples:
Faintly Macabre -- the which is just a little bit dark
Whether Man --...
Join Now to View Premium Content
GradeSaver provides access to 2368 study guide PDFs and quizzes, 11018 literature essays, 2791 sample college application essays, 926 lesson plans, and ad-free surfing in this premium content, “Members Only” section of the site! Membership includes a 10% discount on all editing orders.
