# Home Again explained — The Story of Doctor Dolittle

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_story_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/xxi-home-again
- 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