The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle · Chapter
My Great Idea explained
Tommy Stubbins asks Doctor Dolittle to become his assistant and naturalist apprentice, and the Doctor agrees to discuss it with Tommy's parents over dinner.
What happens
Tommy Stubbins asks Doctor Dolittle to become his assistant and naturalist apprentice, and the Doctor agrees to discuss it with Tommy's parents over dinner. The Doctor tells Tommy about the mysterious naturalist Long Arrow, whom he has never met but knows through the Purple Bird-of-Paradise.
Themes in this chapter
Education and Curiosity
Tommy's desire to learn reading and writing to become a proper naturalist, and the Doctor's discussion of different paths to knowledge.
Adventure and Exploration
Tommy's ambition to join the Doctor on future voyages and the mention of the mysterious Long Arrow in Peru.
Characters to notice
- Tommy Stubbins
Tommy proposes to become the Doctor's assistant and asks him to speak with his parents.
- Doctor Dolittle
The Doctor listens to Tommy's proposal, agrees to visit his parents, and shares stories about Long Arrow.
- Long Arrow
Introduced as a mysterious Red Indian naturalist who cannot read or write but has immense knowledge of botany and animals.
- Miranda
The Purple Bird-of-Paradise who brought the Doctor information about Long Arrow and is expected back with a reply.
Key passages
“I want to be a naturalist—like you—when I grow up.”
Tommy declares his ambition to become a naturalist like the Doctor.
Tommy states his career goal directly to the Doctor.
“The greatest naturalist of them all doesn't even know how to write his own name nor to read the A.B.C.”
The Doctor says the best naturalist is illiterate.
The Doctor contrasts formal education with innate naturalist skill.
“I got her to take a message to him for me last time she was here. I am expecting her back any day now.”
The Doctor sent a message to Long Arrow via the Purple Bird-of-Paradise and awaits her return.
The Doctor reveals he is in contact with Long Arrow through Miranda.