# The Rarest Animal of All explained — The Story of Doctor Dolittle

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_story_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/x-the-rarest-animal-of-all
- 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