The Phantom Tollbooth

by

Norton Juster

The Demon of Insincerity Character Analysis

The Demon of Insincerity at first seems helpful; he guides Milo and his friends through deep sludge. But once Milo, Tock, and the Humbug fall into a pit, the demon says he loves to give bad advice and has no intention of helping anyone. He introduces himself as a huge, frightening monster capable of keeping his prisoners in the pit—but with his telescope, Milo is able to see that the demon is actually small, cute, and nonthreatening.

The Demon of Insincerity Quotes in The Phantom Tollbooth

The The Phantom Tollbooth quotes below are all either spoken by The Demon of Insincerity or refer to The Demon of Insincerity. For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:
Knowledge, Learning, and the Purpose of Education Theme Icon
).
Chapter 17. Unwelcoming Committee Quotes

“I’m the demon of insincerity,” he sobbed. I don’t mean what I say, I don’t mean what I do, and I don’t mean what I am. Most people who believe what I tell them go the wrong way, and stay there, but you and your awful telescope have spoiled everything. I’m going home.” And, crying hysterically, he stamped off in a huff.

“It certainly pays to have a good look at things,” observed Milo as he wrapped up the telescope with great care.

Related Characters: Milo (speaker), The Demon of Insincerity (speaker), Tock, The Humbug, Princess of Sweet Rhyme, Princess of Pure Reason, Alec Bings
Related Symbols: Gifts
Page Number: 217
Explanation and Analysis:
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The Demon of Insincerity Quotes in The Phantom Tollbooth

The The Phantom Tollbooth quotes below are all either spoken by The Demon of Insincerity or refer to The Demon of Insincerity. For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:
Knowledge, Learning, and the Purpose of Education Theme Icon
).
Chapter 17. Unwelcoming Committee Quotes

“I’m the demon of insincerity,” he sobbed. I don’t mean what I say, I don’t mean what I do, and I don’t mean what I am. Most people who believe what I tell them go the wrong way, and stay there, but you and your awful telescope have spoiled everything. I’m going home.” And, crying hysterically, he stamped off in a huff.

“It certainly pays to have a good look at things,” observed Milo as he wrapped up the telescope with great care.

Related Characters: Milo (speaker), The Demon of Insincerity (speaker), Tock, The Humbug, Princess of Sweet Rhyme, Princess of Pure Reason, Alec Bings
Related Symbols: Gifts
Page Number: 217
Explanation and Analysis: