The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle · Chapter
VIII: The Great Bullfight explained
Doctor Dolittle challenges the famous matador Pepito de Malaga to a bullfight in Monteverde.
What happens
Doctor Dolittle challenges the famous matador Pepito de Malaga to a bullfight in Monteverde. Using his ability to speak with animals, he secretly instructs the bulls to follow his commands. He first tames a single bull, then calls for five bulls at once, turning the fight into a comedic and impressive display that astonishes the crowd and humiliates Pepito, ultimately winning the bet to stop bullfighting on the island.
Themes in this chapter
Communication with Animals
The Doctor speaks to the bulls in their own language, instructing them to act fierce but not harm anyone, demonstrating his unique ability.
Kindness and Compassion
The Doctor's challenge aims to stop bullfighting, showing compassion for the bulls who are grateful for the chance to end the cruel sport.
Cultural Exchange and Understanding
The Doctor, an Englishman, engages with Spanish bullfighting culture, ultimately transforming it through his unconventional methods.
Characters to notice
- Doctor Dolittle
Borrows a bullfighter's suit, communicates with bulls in their language, performs daring stunts, and defeats Pepito de Malaga.
- Tommy Stubbins
Narrates the chapter, helps the Doctor dress, and watches the bullfight from the stands with Bumpo and Polynesia.
- Bumpo Kahbooboo
Assists the Doctor with his costume and watches the bullfight from the stands.
- Polynesia
Sits with Tommy and Bumpo, comments on the Doctor's methods, and predicts the show will be the greatest bullfight ever seen.
- Pepito de Malaga
The famous matador who is humiliated by the Doctor's skill and flees the ring when five bulls charge him.
- Don Enrique Cardenas
Organizes the bullfight, explains the challenge to the crowd, and oversees the event.
Key passages
“The news of the Doctor’s challenge had gone round the town and, it seemed, had caused much amusement to the islanders. The very idea of a mere foreigner daring to match himself against the great Pepito de Malaga!—Serve him right if he got killed!”
The townspeople found the Doctor's challenge hilarious, believing a foreigner stood no chance against the famous matador and deserved to die.
Shows the initial skepticism and mockery the Doctor faces.
“In a few hurried words and signs the Doctor told the bulls what he was going to do and gave them careful instructions for their part of the show. The poor creatures were tremendously glad when they heard that there was a chance of bullfighting being stopped; and they promised to do exactly as they were told.”
The Doctor quickly explained his plan to the bulls in their language, and they were overjoyed at the possibility of ending bullfighting, agreeing to cooperate.
Highlights the Doctor's animal communication and the bulls' relief.
““Ha!” Polynesia chuckled into my ear. “It’s like the Doctor’s navigation: he breaks all the rules; but he gets there. If they’ll only let him, he’ll give them the best show for their money they ever saw.””
Polynesia remarked that the Doctor, as in navigation, ignores conventions yet succeeds, promising an unforgettable performance.
Polynesia's commentary on the Doctor's unconventional approach.
““Look fierce,” I heard the Doctor call to them in cattle language. “Don’t scatter. Keep close. Get ready for a rush. Take Pepito, the one in purple, first. But for Heaven’s sake don’t kill him. Just chase him out of the ring—Now then, all together, go for him!””
The Doctor commanded the bulls in their language to appear menacing, stay together, and chase Pepito out without harming him.
Demonstrates the Doctor's precise instructions to the bulls.
