# A Traveler Arrives explained — The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle

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

## What happens

Tommy Stubbins sits on the garden wall with Dab-Dab, learning about the Doctor's past adventures. They witness a crowd of schoolchildren teasing a strange, ragged figure who turns out to be Chee-Chee the monkey, returning to Puddleby after a long journey. Chee-Chee is warmly welcomed by Doctor Dolittle, Polynesia, Jip, and Tommy, and he begins to tell the story of his travels.

## Themes in this chapter

### Friendship and Loyalty

The warm reunion of Chee-Chee with the Doctor and the animals highlights the deep bonds of friendship and loyalty among the group.

### Adventure and Exploration

Chee-Chee's journey from Africa to Puddleby is a testament to the adventurous spirit and the challenges of travel.

### Cultural Exchange and Understanding

Tommy's growing ability to communicate with animals symbolizes cross-species understanding and the exchange of knowledge.

## Character check-ins

### Tommy Stubbins

Sitting on the garden wall with Dab-Dab, learning animal language and observing the arrival of Chee-Chee.

### Dab-Dab

Housekeeper duck who tells Tommy about the Doctor's African adventures and defends Chee-Chee from teasing children.

### Chee-Chee

Returns to Puddleby disguised in ragged clothes, climbs over the gate, and is joyfully reunited with the Doctor and friends.

### Polynesia

Flies out to greet Chee-Chee, expressing delight at his return.

### Doctor Dolittle

Welcomes Chee-Chee back and sends Tommy to fetch peanuts and bananas for the monkey.

### Jip

Joins the group welcoming Chee-Chee home.

## Key lines

> I had now learned so much from Polynesia that I could talk to most birds and some animals without a great deal of difficulty.

Tommy has become proficient in animal languages thanks to Polynesia's lessons.

_Highlights Tommy's progress in learning animal communication._

> Why, it's Chee-Chee!—Chee-Chee come back at last!

Dab-Dab recognizes the disguised figure as Chee-Chee, who has finally returned.

_Marks the joyful recognition of Chee-Chee's arrival._

> I have always kept them there in case he might come back unexpectedly some day.

The Doctor had saved peanuts in anticipation of Chee-Chee's return.

_Shows the Doctor's hopeful and caring nature._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-i-xii-a-traveler-arrives
- 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