# The Third Man explained — The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle

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

## What happens

Tommy Stubbins and Doctor Dolittle prepare for their voyage to Spidermonkey Island, loading provisions onto the Curlew. Matthew Mugg visits but declines to join due to rheumatism. Ben Butcher, an able seaman, offers his services but is turned away. Prince Bumpo Kahbooboo of Jolliginki arrives and is welcomed by the Doctor, who agrees to take him as the third crew member.

## Themes in this chapter

### Adventure and Exploration

The preparations for the voyage to Spidermonkey Island and the recruitment of Bumpo emphasize the spirit of adventure and discovery.

### Friendship and Loyalty

Bumpo's eagerness to join the Doctor and the Doctor's warm welcome highlight their enduring friendship.

### Education and Curiosity

Bumpo discusses his studies at Oxford and the value of learning through travel, reflecting the theme of education.

## Character check-ins

### Tommy Stubbins

Busy loading provisions onto the Curlew and proudly announces their destination to Matthew Mugg.

### Doctor Dolittle

Arrives with natural history items, turns down Ben Butcher, and warmly greets Prince Bumpo, agreeing to take him on the voyage.

### Matthew Mugg

Visits the Curlew, expresses a desire to join but declines due to rheumatism.

### Ben Butcher

A burly able seaman who tries to join the crew but is politely refused by the Doctor.

### Bumpo Kahbooboo

Crown Prince of Jolliginki, elegantly dressed but barefoot, visits and is accepted as the third crew member.

## Key lines

> “My Goodness, Tommy,” said he, as he watched me carrying on some sacks of flour, “but that’s a pretty boat! Where might the Doctor be going to this voyage?”

Matthew Mugg admires the boat and asks Tommy about their destination.

_Shows Matthew's curiosity and the community's interest in the voyage._

> “I am Bumpo Kahbooboo, Crown Prince of Jolliginki.”

Bumpo introduces himself formally to Tommy.

_Establishes Bumpo's royal identity and his connection to the Doctor._

> “Methinks I detect something of the finger of Destination in this,” said Bumpo. “How would I do?”

Bumpo suggests fate has brought him to join the voyage and offers his services.

_Highlights Bumpo's whimsical speech and his desire to accompany the Doctor._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-iii-i-the-third-man
- 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