The Story of Doctor Dolittle · Chapter
Animal Language explained
The Cat's-meatman suggests Doctor Dolittle become an animal doctor.
What happens
The Cat's-meatman suggests Doctor Dolittle become an animal doctor. Polynesia reveals that animals have their own language, and the Doctor begins learning it. He gives up his human practice, successfully treats animals by communicating with them, and becomes famous among animals worldwide.
Themes in this chapter
Communication and Understanding
Doctor Dolittle learns that animals have a complex language, enabling him to understand and treat them effectively.
Critique of Human Arrogance
Polynesia criticizes humans for calling animals 'dumb' while being ignorant of animal communication.
Characters to notice
- Doctor Dolittle
Learns animal language from Polynesia and becomes an animal doctor.
- Polynesia
Teaches Doctor Dolittle bird-language and explains that animals communicate in many ways.
- Jip
Demonstrates dog communication by twitching his nose to ask a question.
Key passages
“Why don't you give up being a people's doctor, and be an animal-doctor?”
The Cat's-meatman suggests that Doctor Dolittle should switch from treating humans to treating animals.
This is the pivotal suggestion that leads to the Doctor's career change.
“Did you know that animals can talk?”
Polynesia reveals to the Doctor that animals have their own language.
This revelation is the key moment that enables the Doctor to understand animals.
“They talk with their ears, with their feet, with their tails—with everything.”
Polynesia explains that animal communication is not limited to vocal sounds but includes body language.
This broadens the Doctor's understanding of how animals express themselves.