Toby Tyler by James Otis is a simple story about a young boy who runs off and joins the circus, only to be displeased with his new life. Despite the simplicity, when one takes a deeper look at Toby’s relationships with those he meets along the way his journey, Toby’s inner feelings and traits are revealed. For example, up until a point, everyone Toby met was unusually cruel, so he resorted to befriending a monkey. The monkey, who he’s named Mr. Stubbs, does not judge Toby; the monkey does not threaten Toby; S/he does not do anything but listen to Toby, something no one else has done for Toby throughout his life. Toby is convinced that Mr. Stubbs understands every word he says. This shows Toby’s naivety and childishness. When Mr. Ben, a member of the circus with whom Toby travels with, attempts to convince Toby he is only imagining the monkey’s “responses”, that Toby claims to see (such as a tug at his coat, and a wink). He tells Toby that the monkey is completely oblivious to every word Toby says. Instead of being upset with the realization, Toby argues with Mr. Ben, holding true to what he thinks is right and standing up for his new friend. This displays Toby’s persistence. Although Toby Tyler tells a small tale about the American child dream—running away to join the circus—his small acts of immaturity expose his personality.