In toto. [(in toh-toh)] Totally or completely: “We reject your demands in toto.” From Latin, meaning “in all.”

What is Toto?

Toto is a character in the story "A Tiger in the House" from the NCERT English textbook for Class 7. The story revolves around a family that adopts a tiger cub named Toto and the challenges they face in raising him.

Summary of the Story

The story begins with the protagonist, the narrator's grandfather, who was a hunter and had captured a tiger cub during one of his expeditions. He brings the cub, Toto, home and decides to keep him as a pet. The family members are initially frightened but eventually grow fond of Toto.

The Bond with Toto

Toto quickly becomes a beloved member of the family. He develops a close bond with the narrator's grandfather, and they spend a lot of time together. Toto also interacts with other family members and becomes a source of entertainment and amusement.

Challenges of Raising Toto

Raising a tiger cub in a domestic environment poses several challenges. Toto's growing size and strength become a concern for the family. The narrator's grandfather builds a separate enclosure for Toto, but he often escapes and roams freely in the house. Toto's presence creates fear among the household help and visitors, making it difficult for them to perform their duties.

Toto's Wild Instincts

Despite being raised in a domestic setting, Toto retains his wild instincts. He often displays aggressive behavior, such as attacking the dogs in the neighborhood. The family realizes that Toto's wild nature cannot be tamed completely, and it becomes increasingly challenging to manage him.

Toto's Return to the Wild

Realizing the difficulties and dangers associated with keeping a fully grown tiger, the family decides to send Toto back to the forest. They arrange for him to be taken to a nearby forest, where he can live freely in his natural habitat. The family bids an emotional farewell to Toto, acknowledging that it is the best decision for his well-being.

Lessons from the Story

The story of Toto highlights the importance of understanding the nature of wild animals and the challenges of raising them in a domestic environment. It emphasizes the need for responsible behavior towards wildlife and the importance of preserving their natural habitats.

In conclusion, Toto is a tiger cub who becomes a part of a family but ultimately returns to the wild due to the challenges of raising a wild animal in a domestic setting. The story serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in human-animal relationships and the significance of wildlife conservation.

ᴛᴏᴛᴏ ɪs ᴀ ᴛʏᴘᴇ ᴏғ ᴍᴏɴᴋᴇʏ