The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle · Chapter
Chee-Chee’s Voyage explained
Chee-Chee, homesick for the Doctor and Puddleby, disguises himself in girl's clothes to board a ship to England.
What happens
Chee-Chee, homesick for the Doctor and Puddleby, disguises himself in girl's clothes to board a ship to England. After a difficult journey across the country, he finally returns to the Doctor's home, where he is warmly welcomed.
Themes in this chapter
Adventure and Exploration
Chee-Chee's daring voyage from Africa to England, involving disguise, hiding, and narrow escapes, exemplifies adventure.
Friendship and Loyalty
Chee-Chee's homesickness and determination to return to the Doctor highlight his deep loyalty and friendship.
Characters to notice
- Chee-Chee
Returns to Puddleby after a difficult journey disguised in girl's clothes.
- Doctor Dolittle
Welcomes Chee-Chee back and ensures his bed is ready.
- Dab-Dab
Offers Chee-Chee the Doctor's old smoking-jacket as a blanket.
- Polynesia
Echoes the welcome for Chee-Chee's return.
Key passages
“If I could only get some clothes to wear I might easily slip on to the ship amongst these families, and people would take me for a girl.”
Chee-Chee realizes that by wearing clothes, he could pass as a human girl and board the ship unnoticed.
Shows Chee-Chee's cleverness and resourcefulness in overcoming obstacles.
“All the way from Bristol here, if the wretched hat wasn’t falling off my head or catching in the trees, those beastly skirts were tripping me up and getting wound round everything.”
Chee-Chee complains about the discomfort and impracticality of the girl's clothing he wore during his journey.
Highlights the humor and hardship of Chee-Chee's disguise.