# Three Cheers explained — The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle

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

## What happens

The trial of Luke the Hermit concludes with a verdict of 'Not Guilty,' leading to a joyful celebration in the courtroom. Luke's wife, who has not seen him in fifteen years, arrives for a reunion. The Doctor and Tommy slip away from the crowd, avoiding calls for a speech, and head home for tea.

## Themes in this chapter

### Friendship and Loyalty

The Doctor's efforts to defend Luke and the community's support for the Hermit highlight loyalty and camaraderie.

### Freedom vs. Confinement

Luke's acquittal represents freedom from the threat of execution, and his reunion with his wife underscores personal liberation.

## Character check-ins

### Doctor Dolittle

Celebrates Luke's acquittal by dancing on a chair, then escapes the crowd with Tommy.

### Tommy Stubbins

Observes the trial's end and the crowd's reaction, follows the Doctor's lead to avoid the mob.

### Luke the Hermit

Found not guilty and reunited with his wife after fifteen years.

### Mrs. Luke

Arrives at the courtroom and reunites with her husband Luke.

### Jip

Referred to as Bob, the dog that helped in the trial, returned to the Doctor's side.

## Key lines

> Your Honor, the jury returns a verdict of Not Guilty.

The jury declares Luke the Hermit innocent.

_The pivotal moment of the trial's conclusion._

> It means he's free! Luke is free!

The Doctor joyfully announces Luke's release.

_The Doctor's immediate reaction to the verdict._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-ii-viii-three-cheers
- 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