The Phantom Tollbooth: Do Not Release the Sounds

Lia Martinez

Challenge B Essay 1

Sept 11, 2019   

Milo should not release the sounds for three reasons: it was not in his authority to do so, the consequences of his actions are unknown, and it was the result of the people’s actions that led to the sounds being locked up in the first place.

    The first reason Milo should not release the sounds is because it was not in his authority to do so. The Soundkeeper is the guardian of all sound past, present and future which places it within her power to lock up the sounds. For this reason, he needs to respect her authority and leadership over her land. As a foreigner and first-time guest he does not have access to the whole story and should not get involved. 

The second reason Milo should not release the sounds is because the consequences of his actions are unknown. There are a variety of potential results to his actions that Milo did not accounted for. For instance, the Soundkeeper may be justly and rightfully withholding the sounds in an effort to protect her people from an unknown danger. Since Milo doesn’t fully comprehend the ramifications of his decision to intervene, he runs the risk of potentially hurting himself or others, and for that matter he may make the situation even worse than it already is for the townspeople. 

The final reason Milo should not release the sounds is because it was the result of the people’s actions that led to the sound’s being locked up in the first place. People misused the sounds and took them for granted. “When there were sounds people sang less and shouted more.” The Soundkeeper saw their foolish, regretful, and careless treatment of sounds and allowed the townspeople to experience the natural consequences of their behaviors. 

    Milo should not release the sounds because it was not in his authority to do so, the consequences of his actions are unknown, it was the result of the people’s actions that led to the sounds being locked up in the first place.