The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle · Chapter
VI: The Judge's Dog explained
In court, Doctor Dolittle demonstrates his ability to communicate with animals by conversing with the judge's dog, revealing details about the judge's private life.
What happens
In court, Doctor Dolittle demonstrates his ability to communicate with animals by conversing with the judge's dog, revealing details about the judge's private life. Despite objections from the prosecutor, the judge is convinced and allows the prisoner's dog, Bob, to be admitted as a witness for the first time in English legal history.
Themes in this chapter
Communication with Animals
Doctor Dolittle demonstrates his unique ability to converse with animals in a formal court setting, convincing the judge of its validity.
Justice and Fairness
The chapter challenges traditional legal procedures by allowing a dog to testify, emphasizing the pursuit of truth over convention.
Characters to notice
- Doctor Dolittle
Demonstrates his ability to talk to animals in court, conversing with the judge's dog and revealing details about the judge's supper and evening activities.
- Tommy Stubbins
Proudly leads the dog Bob into the witness stand at the Doctor's signal.
- Mr. Percy Jenkyns
Rises to suggest the Doctor demonstrate his powers to the court.
- Eustace Beauchamp Conckley
The judge who allows the demonstration and ultimately admits the dog as a witness; goes pale when the Doctor reveals his private activities.
Key passages
“I protest, I protest! This is a scandal, an outrage to the Bar!”
The prosecutor objects loudly, claiming the court's dignity is at risk.
The long-nosed Prosecutor vehemently opposes the Doctor's demonstration.
“I say the dog shall be heard. That ends the matter. Put the witness in the stand.”
The judge overrules all objections and orders the dog to be placed in the witness box.
The judge asserts his authority to allow the unprecedented testimony.