The Story of Doctor Dolittle · Chapter
Puddleby explained
Introduces Doctor John Dolittle, a kind and clever physician living in the small town of Puddleby-on-the-Marsh.
What happens
Introduces Doctor John Dolittle, a kind and clever physician living in the small town of Puddleby-on-the-Marsh. His home is filled with many pets, which drives away human patients and causes his sister Sarah to complain. As his practice declines, he becomes poor but remains devoted to his animals.
Themes in this chapter
Kindness to Animals
The Doctor's deep affection for animals leads him to keep many pets, even at the cost of his medical practice and wealth.
Rejection of Materialism
Doctor Dolittle prioritizes his animals over money and social standing, selling possessions to care for them.
Characters to notice
- Doctor Dolittle
Introduced as a proper doctor who loves animals more than people, leading to his financial decline.
- Sarah Dolittle
His sister and housekeeper, who scolds him for keeping too many animals and driving away patients.
- Dab-Dab
Mentioned as one of the Doctor's favorite pets, a duck.
- Jip
Mentioned as one of the Doctor's favorite pets, a dog.
- Gub-Gub
Mentioned as one of the Doctor's favorite pets, a baby pig.
- Polynesia
Mentioned as one of the Doctor's favorite pets, a parrot.
- Too-Too
Mentioned as one of the Doctor's favorite pets, an owl.
Key passages
“But I like the animals better than the 'best people,' said the Doctor.”
The Doctor declares his preference for animals over wealthy or influential humans.
This line encapsulates his core values and the central conflict of the chapter.
“Sixpence a year wasn't enough to live on—even in those days, long ago; and if the Doctor hadn't had some money saved up in his money-box, no one knows what would have happened.”
The Doctor's income was insufficient, and he only survived by using his savings.
Highlights the Doctor's dire financial situation due to his animal-filled household.