# More Money Troubles explained — The Story of Doctor Dolittle

> Chapter companion for The Story of Doctor Dolittle by Hugh Lofting.

## What happens

Doctor Dolittle's practice revives, but his growing collection of rescued animals—including Chee-Chee the monkey and a crocodile—scares away clients, leading to financial ruin. His sister Sarah leaves in protest, and the animals take over the housework and sell produce to make ends meet, but winter brings hardship.

## Themes in this chapter

### Kindness to Animals

Doctor Dolittle rescues Chee-Chee and the crocodile from poor conditions, prioritizing their well-being over financial gain.

### Rejection of Materialism

The Doctor dismisses money as a nuisance, valuing happiness and the company of his animal family over wealth.

## Character check-ins

### Doctor Dolittle

Rescues Chee-Chee and the crocodile, refuses to send them away, and remains unworried about money despite growing poverty.

### Sarah Dolittle

Frustrated by the crocodile's presence, she gives the Doctor an ultimatum and leaves when he refuses to send the animal away.

### Chee-Chee

Rescued from an Italian organ-grinder; later assigned cooking and mending duties in the household.

### Polynesia

Becomes housekeeper and laundress, and suggests the animals do the housework themselves.

### Jip

Sweeps the floors with a rag tied to his tail, finding the task amusing.

## Key lines

> Money is a nuisance. We'd all be much better off if it had never been invented. What does money matter, so long as we are happy?

Doctor Dolittle believes money is a troublesome invention and that happiness is far more important than wealth.

_This quote encapsulates the Doctor's rejection of materialism and his carefree attitude toward financial hardship._

> I think we all ought to do the housework ourselves. At least we can do that much. After all, it is for our sakes that the old man finds himself so lonely and so poor.

Polynesia suggests that the animals should take over the household chores to help the Doctor, who is poor and alone because of them.

_This shows the animals' loyalty and sense of responsibility toward the Doctor._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_story_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/iii-more-money-troubles
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_story_of_doctor_dolittle_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_story_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters