# The Purple Bird-of-Paradise explained — The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle

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

## What happens

Polynesia announces the arrival of Miranda, the Purple Bird-of-Paradise, who has come to see Doctor Dolittle. Cheapside the sparrow insulted her, but the Doctor smooths things over and Miranda wakes to deliver important news.

## Themes in this chapter

### Kindness and Compassion

The Doctor defends Miranda from Cheapside's insults and shows care for her exhaustion.

### Cultural Exchange and Understanding

Cheapside's xenophobic remarks contrast with the Doctor's welcoming attitude toward Miranda, a foreign bird.

## Character check-ins

### Polynesia

Waiting in the front porch, she informs the Doctor of Miranda's arrival and Cheapside's insult.

### Doctor Dolittle

Returns home, fumbles with his key in excitement, and deals with Cheapside's insult to Miranda.

### Miranda

The Purple Bird-of-Paradise arrives exhausted from a long journey, is insulted by Cheapside, and falls asleep on the inkstand.

### Cheapside

Insults Miranda upon her arrival, is imprisoned in a bookcase, and is scolded by the Doctor.

### Dab-Dab

Guards the bookcase where Cheapside is imprisoned and reports the incident to the Doctor.

## Key lines

> She looked full of some important news. 'Doctor,' said she, 'the Purple Bird-of-Paradise has arrived!'

Polynesia, looking eager, announced that Miranda had finally arrived.

_Polynesia conveys the arrival of the Purple Bird-of-Paradise._

> That mischief-making sparrow, Cheapside, insulted her as soon as she came into the garden.

Cheapside immediately offended Miranda upon her arrival.

_Polynesia reports Cheapside's insult to the Doctor._

> She had a deep violet-colored breast, scarlet wings and a long, long sweeping tail of gold.

Miranda's plumage was a stunning mix of violet, scarlet, and gold.

_Description of Miranda's beautiful appearance._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-ii-ix-the-purple-bird-of-paradise
- 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