# The Doctor's Wager explained — The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle

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

## What happens

The Doctor and his companions arrive in Spain and witness a procession of bullfighters. The Doctor expresses his strong disapproval of bullfighting as a cruel and cowardly sport, which leads to a heated argument with Don Enrique Cardenas, a wealthy bull supplier. The Doctor wagers that he can outperform the famous matador Pepito de Malaga in the bullring, with the condition that if he wins, Don Enrique must end all bullfighting in the Capa Blancas. Meanwhile, Polynesia devises a plan to make money by having Bumpo place a side bet with Don Enrique on the outcome.

## Themes in this chapter

### Kindness and Compassion

The Doctor's vehement opposition to bullfighting highlights his compassion for animals and his refusal to condone cruelty.

### Adventure and Exploration

The Doctor's bold wager to enter the bullring despite having no experience reflects the adventurous spirit of the journey.

## Character check-ins

### Doctor Dolittle

Expresses strong opposition to bullfighting, calling it cruel and cowardly, and makes a daring wager to enter the bullring.

### Tommy Stubbins

Observes the bullfighter procession and learns about bullfighting from the Doctor; participates in Polynesia's scheme.

### Polynesia

Listens to the Doctor's conversation and devises a plan to make money through a side bet with Don Enrique.

### Bumpo Kahbooboo

Introduces himself as the Crown Prince of Jolliginki and places a side bet of three-thousand pesetas with Don Enrique.

### Don Enrique Cardenas

A wealthy bull supplier who argues with the Doctor about bullfighting and accepts both the Doctor's wager and Bumpo's side bet.

## Key lines

> A bullfight is a stupid, cruel, disgusting business.

The Doctor condemns bullfighting as a foolish and inhumane activity.

_The Doctor expresses his moral outrage at the practice._

> If I can do more tricks with a bull than they can, would you promise to do something for me?

The Doctor proposes a wager: if he outperforms the matadors, Don Enrique must grant a favor.

_The Doctor sets the terms of his risky challenge._

> I have a plan. Get hold of Bumpo and come some place where the Doctor can't hear us. I want to talk to you.

Polynesia secretly calls Tommy and Bumpo aside to discuss a scheme.

_Polynesia initiates her plan to make money through gambling._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-iii-vii-the-doctor-s-wager
- 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