# VII: The Ocean Gossips explained — The Story of Doctor Dolittle

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

## What happens

Doctor Dolittle and his animals rescue a young boy locked in the pirates' rum-room. The boy reveals his uncle was captured by pirates and may have been thrown overboard. The Doctor comforts him, and after tea, consults a school of porpoises who confirm the uncle was not drowned, bringing the boy joy.

## Themes in this chapter

### Communication and Understanding

Doctor Dolittle uses his ability to speak animal languages to communicate with the porpoises and learn the fate of the boy's uncle.

### Compassion and Healing

The Doctor comforts the frightened boy, offers him tea and strawberry jam, and reassures him about his uncle's safety.

## Character check-ins

### Doctor Dolittle

Rescues the boy from the rum-room, comforts him, and consults the porpoises to find news of his uncle.

### Jip

Identifies the room as the pirates' rum-room and whispers advice to the Doctor.

### Gub-Gub

Makes a pun about the rum-room and later asks about 'cutterigsloop'.

### Dab-Dab

Whispers to the Doctor to ask the porpoises about the boy's uncle.

### Pushmi-Pullyu

Gives the boy a ride around the dining-room table during the celebration.

## Key lines

> I declare, it is the pirates' rum-room!" said Jip in a whisper. "Yes. Very rum!" said Gub-Gub.

Jip identifies the room as the pirates' rum storage, and Gub-Gub makes a pun on the word 'rum.'

_Shows the animals' distinct personalities and humor._

> You laugh like a friend," he said⁠—"not like a pirate.

The boy trusts the Doctor because his laugh seems kind, unlike a pirate's.

_Highlights the Doctor's gentle and trustworthy nature._

> The shellfish call us 'The Ocean Gossips.'

The porpoises are known among sea creatures for spreading news across the ocean.

_Illustrates the interconnectedness of marine life in the story._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_story_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/vii-the-ocean-gossips
- 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