Rhyme and reason breaking frees Milo from Tock's accidentally self-inflicted trance and the humbugs' stubborn behavior. This release is symbolic of the restoration of logic and reason in the Kingdom of Wisdom.
Tock and lethargairins
Both Tock and Humbug are loyal companions to Milo on his journey in The Phantom Tollbooth. They each have unique personalities that complement Milo's character, with Tock being wise and dependable, while Humbug is more whimsical and sometimes self-centered. Together, they help Milo navigate the challenges he faces in the Kingdom of Wisdom.
Milo, Tock and the Humbug met Chroma in Illusions.
The senses taker tricks Milo, Tock, and the Humbug by convincing them to play his sense-removing game. He pretends to help them with their mission but actually just wants to steal their ability to think and reason. Once they agree to the game, their senses are taken away temporarily, leaving them vulnerable to his deception.
The tasks given to Milo, Tock, and Humbug by the faceless man included rescuing Rhyme and Reason, finding the princesses of the kingdom of Wisdom, and bringing them back to restore order and balance to the realm. They were also given the task of defeating the demons within themselves to succeed in their mission.
In "The Phantom Tollbooth," Milo meets many characters, including Tock the Watchdog, the Humbug, the Mathemagician, the Whether Man, the Spelling Bee, and the Dodecahedron. Each character helps him navigate the fantastical world he finds himself in and teaches him important lessons along the way.
Humbug accompanies Milo on his journey in "The Phantom Tollbooth" because he is a boastful character who tends to exaggerate his own importance. He is looking for opportunities to show off and take credit for any success. Despite his flaws, Humbug proves to be a helpful companion in certain situations during Milo's adventure.
Tock gets angry because he takes his duties very seriously and doesn't see time as something to be wasted or killed. He believes that time should be valued and used wisely, so when Milo talks about killing time, Tock sees it as disrespectful to his role as the watchdog.
butt face
Tick tock goes the clockAnd what now shall we play?Tick tock goes the clockNow summer's gone away?Tick tock goes the clockAnd what then shall we see?Tick tock until the dayThat thou shalt marry meTick tock goes the clockAnd all the years they flyTick tock and all too soonYou and I must dieTick tock goes the clockWe laughed at fate and mourned herTick tock goes the clockEven for the DoctorTick tock goes the clockHe cradled her and he rocked herTick tock goes the clockEven for the Doctor…Doctor, brave and good,He turned away from violenceWhen he understoodThe falling of the Silence.Tick tock goes the clockHe gave all he could give herTick tock goes the clockNow prison waits for River
Tick tock goes the clockAnd what now shall we playTick tock goes the clockNow summer's gone away?Tick tock goes the clockAnd what then shall we see?Tick tock until the dayThat thou shalt marry me.Tick tock goes the clockAnd all the years they flyTick tock and all too soonYou and I must dieTick tock goes the clockWe laughed at fate and mourned herTick tock goes the clockEven for the DoctorTick tock goes the clockHe cradled her and he rocked herTick tock goes the clockEven for the DoctorDoctor, brave and good,He turned away from violenceWhen he understoodThe falling of the Silence.Tick tock goes the clockHe gave all he could give herTick tock goes the clockNow prison waits for River
The mention of a light meal can be found on page 30 of "The Phantom Tollbooth" by Norton Juster. In this scene, Milo, the main character, is served a light meal by the character Tock.