The Story of Doctor Dolittle · Chapter
Home Again explained
John Dolittle returns to England after his African adventures, traveling with the pushmi-pullyu as a showman at fairs to earn money.
What happens
John Dolittle returns to England after his African adventures, traveling with the pushmi-pullyu as a showman at fairs to earn money. He refuses to sell the creature to circus-men, valuing its freedom. Once he has saved enough, he returns to Puddleby a rich man, settles back into his home, buys new ships for the sailor who lent him a boat, pays his debts, and acquires new pianos and money-boxes. The chapter ends with a cozy winter scene and a distant thought from the African animals wondering about the Doctor.
Themes in this chapter
Freedom vs. Captivity
The Doctor refuses to sell the pushmi-pullyu to circus-men, insisting it must remain free to come and go.
Rejection of Materialism
Despite becoming rich, the Doctor calls money 'a terrible nuisance' and only values it for ending worry.
Friendship and Loyalty
The African animals fondly remember the Doctor and wonder about him, showing lasting bonds across distance.
Characters to notice
- Doctor Dolittle
Returns to Puddleby a rich man after traveling as a showman with the pushmi-pullyu; refuses to sell the creature; buys new ships, pays debts, and acquires multiple money-boxes.
- Dab-Dab
Scolds the Doctor for letting children in free; is glad to return home but finds much dusting to do; toasts muffins for tea.
- Jip
Shows his golden collar to the neighbor's collie; runs around the garden looking for buried bones and chasing rats.
- Gub-Gub
Digs up the horseradish in the garden corner.
- Polynesia
Squeaks from the vines in Africa, expressing hope that the Doctor will return.
Key passages
“But the Doctor always shook his head and said, 'No. The pushmi-pullyu shall never be shut up in a cage. He shall be free always to come and go, like you and me.'”
The Doctor refused to sell the pushmi-pullyu, insisting it must never be caged and should enjoy the same freedom as humans.
Highlights the Doctor's commitment to freedom over profit.
“'Money,' he said, 'is a terrible nuisance. But it's nice not to have to worry.'”
The Doctor expressed that money is bothersome, though he appreciated being free from financial anxiety.
Reflects the theme of rejection of materialism.