# Our Troubles Begin explained — The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle

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

## What happens

The chapter begins with Bumpo discovering Matthew Mugg as a stowaway in the hold, followed by the discovery of Luke and his wife as additional stowaways. The Doctor decides to put all three ashore at Penzance, lending them money and writing a letter of introduction for Luke. The chapter ends with the ship arriving at Penzance late at night.

## Themes in this chapter

### Kindness and Compassion

The Doctor shows compassion by lending money and writing a letter for Luke and his wife, despite the inconvenience of stowaways.

### Responsibility and Leadership

The Doctor takes charge of the stowaway situation, making practical decisions to put them ashore and ensure their welfare.

## Character check-ins

### Bumpo Kahbooboo

Discovers Matthew Mugg as a stowaway and later finds Luke and his wife hiding under the Doctor's bunk.

### Matthew Mugg

Stows away in the hold, is discovered, and is put ashore at Penzance.

### Luke the Hermit

Stows away with his wife to escape notoriety; is put ashore at Penzance with a letter of introduction.

### Mrs. Luke

Seasick and miserable; stows away with her husband and is given medicine by the Doctor.

### Doctor Dolittle

Handles the stowaway situations with kindness, lending money and writing a letter for Luke.

### Tommy Stubbins

Helps Bumpo bring Matthew Mugg up from the hold and observes the Doctor's actions.

## Key lines

> There he goes⁠—lending his last blessed penny⁠—three pounds ten⁠—all the money we had for the whole trip!

Polynesia criticizes the Doctor for giving away their last funds.

_Polynesia's mutter highlights the Doctor's generosity despite limited resources._

> The temptation was too much for me, Doctor... I thought if I stayed hid till the ship was well at sea you would find I came in handy like and keep me.

Matthew Mugg explains he stowed away hoping to be kept on as crew.

_Matthew's explanation reveals his desire to join the voyage._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-iii-iii-our-troubles-begin
- 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