The Story of Doctor Dolittle · Chapter
The Leader of the Lions explained
Doctor Dolittle becomes extremely busy treating thousands of sick monkeys.
What happens
Doctor Dolittle becomes extremely busy treating thousands of sick monkeys. He vaccinates the well ones and sets up a hospital, but faces a shortage of nurses when the proud Leader of the Lions and other animals refuse to help. After the lion's own cub falls ill, his wife scolds him into returning to offer assistance, and soon all the animals come to help. The monkeys recover, and the Doctor finally rests.
Themes in this chapter
Compassion and Healing
Doctor Dolittle's dedication to curing the monkeys and his willingness to help the lion's cub highlight the theme of healing across species.
Critique of Human Arrogance
The lion's initial pride and refusal to help, followed by his humbling, serves as a critique of arrogance and the value of humility.
Friendship and Loyalty
The eventual cooperation of all animals in nursing the monkeys underscores the importance of mutual aid and loyalty.
Characters to notice
- Doctor Dolittle
Works tirelessly to vaccinate and treat thousands of sick monkeys, organizes a hospital, and persuades the animals to help.
- Chee-Chee
Helps build a little house of grass for the Doctor's work.
- Leader of the Lions
Initially refuses to help nurse the monkeys out of pride, but returns after his wife scolds him and his cub falls ill.
- Jip
Present during the events, though not directly mentioned in the excerpts.
- Polynesia
Present during the events, though not directly mentioned in the excerpts.
- Gub-Gub
Present during the events, though not directly mentioned in the excerpts.
Key passages
“Do you dare to ask me, Sir? Do you dare to ask me— Me, the King of Beasts, to wait on a lot of dirty monkeys? Why, I wouldn’t even eat them between meals!”
The lion indignantly refuses to help, asserting his superiority and disdain for the monkeys.
Shows the lion's initial arrogance and refusal to assist.
“You never did have a grain of sense! ... Now, now—when we have a sick baby on our hands, you must go and offend him! You great booby! Nobody but a fool is ever rude to a good doctor.”
The lioness scolds her husband for offending the doctor, especially now that their cub is ill.
Highlights the lioness's practical wisdom and the shift in the lion's attitude.
“I happened to be passing this way and thought I’d look in. Got any help yet? ... Well, seeing you’re in difficulties, I don’t mind doing what I can—just to oblige you—so long as I don’t have to wash the creatures.”
The lion returns, pretending the visit is casual, and offers to help under certain conditions.
Illustrates the lion's reluctant change of heart and attempt to save face.