The Story of Doctor Dolittle · Chapter
The Rarest Animal of All explained
The monkeys capture the rare pushmi-pullyu, a two-headed, shy creature, and persuade it to go with Doctor Dolittle to the Land of the White Men to be exhibited so the Doctor can earn money for his debts and a new boat.
What happens
The monkeys capture the rare pushmi-pullyu, a two-headed, shy creature, and persuade it to go with Doctor Dolittle to the Land of the White Men to be exhibited so the Doctor can earn money for his debts and a new boat. The pushmi-pullyu agrees after meeting the Doctor and trusting his kindness. A farewell party is held, and the Doctor and his pets depart for the seashore, leaving a stone monument to mark the occasion.
Themes in this chapter
Kindness to Animals
The pushmi-pullyu trusts the Doctor because of his kind treatment of animals, and the Doctor promises to send it back if it dislikes the Land of the White Men.
Friendship and Loyalty
The monkeys celebrate the Doctor with a grand party and a lasting monument, showing their loyalty and friendship.
Characters to notice
- Doctor Dolittle
Agrees to take the pushmi-pullyu home to earn money, gives a farewell speech to the monkeys, and departs for the seashore.
- Chee-Chee
Proudly presents the pushmi-pullyu to the Doctor and argues for taking it to earn money.
- Dab-Dab
Packs the trunk, urges the Doctor to be sensible and take the pushmi-pullyu for financial reasons.
- Jip
Comments skeptically on the pushmi-pullyu, saying it doesn't look like it has a mind.
- Pushmi-Pullyu
The rare two-headed animal who agrees to go with the Doctor after being persuaded by the monkeys and trusting the Doctor's kindness.
Key passages
“Yes, I'll go,' said the pushmi-pullyu who saw at once, from the Doctor's face, that he was a man to be trusted.”
The pushmi-pullyu agreed to go because he could tell from the Doctor's expression that he was trustworthy.
Highlights the animal's immediate trust in the Doctor's character.
“Let it be remembered always among our people that he sat and ate with us, here, under the trees. For surely he is the Greatest of Men!”
The monkeys declared that the Doctor should always be remembered for eating with them, calling him the greatest of men.
Emphasizes the deep respect and gratitude the monkeys feel for the Doctor.