# Polynesia explained — The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle

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

## What happens

Tommy Stubbins expresses his fascination with Doctor Dolittle's house and his ability to speak animal languages. The Doctor tells Tommy about Polynesia, the West African parrot who first taught him animal languages. As they walk, Jip the dog brings news that Polynesia has returned. Polynesia arrives and chatters about Africa, Prince Bumpo's studies at Oxford, and Chee-Chee's homesickness. The Doctor and Tommy go to Tommy's home, where the Doctor meets Tommy's mother and agrees to cure Tommy's squirrel.

## Themes in this chapter

### Education and Curiosity

Tommy's eagerness to learn animal languages and the Doctor's encouragement highlight the theme of education and curiosity.

### Friendship and Loyalty

Polynesia's return and Chee-Chee's homesickness underscore the deep bonds of friendship and loyalty between the animals and the Doctor.

### Communication with Animals

The chapter centers on the Doctor's ability to speak with animals and Polynesia's role in teaching him, emphasizing cross-species communication.

## Character check-ins

### Tommy Stubbins

Tommy expresses his desire to learn animal languages and is introduced to Polynesia.

### Doctor Dolittle

The Doctor shares memories of Polynesia, learns of her return, and accompanies Tommy home.

### Polynesia

Polynesia returns to Puddleby after five years and brings news of Prince Bumpo and Chee-Chee.

### Jip

Jip excitedly brings news of Polynesia's arrival to the Doctor.

### Mrs. Stubbins

Tommy's mother meets the Doctor and thanks him for looking after Tommy.

## Key lines

> I think your house is the most interesting house I was ever in

Tommy tells the Doctor that his house is the most fascinating he has ever seen.

_Tommy expresses his admiration for the Doctor's home and lifestyle._

> Polynesia has come back!

The Doctor exclaims that Polynesia has returned after five years.

_The Doctor's joyful reaction to Polynesia's return._

> I remember the night you were born. It was a terribly cold winter. You were a very ugly baby.

Polynesia tells Tommy she remembers the night he was born, describing him as an ugly baby during a cold winter.

_Polynesia's blunt and humorous first words to Tommy._

> Bumpo is in England!

Polynesia announces that Prince Bumpo has come to England to study at Oxford.

_Polynesia brings news of Prince Bumpo's arrival in England._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-i-v-polynesia
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters