# Bad Weather explained — The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle

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

## What happens

Tommy and the crew experience a sudden and violent storm while sailing the Curlew, which tests their seamanship and courage as they struggle to keep the ship afloat.

## Themes in this chapter

### Adventure and Exploration

The chapter depicts the perilous realities of sea exploration, as the crew faces a violent storm that tests their survival skills.

### Responsibility and Leadership

Doctor Dolittle takes charge during the crisis, using his navigational knowledge and taking the wheel, while Polynesia directs the crew's actions.

## Character check-ins

### Tommy Stubbins

Narrates the chapter, notices the change in wind, and is swept across the deck by a wave, hitting his head and fainting.

### Doctor Dolittle

Shows unease about the lack of wind, uses his sextant and maps, and takes the wheel when the storm hits.

### Polynesia

Keeps lookout in the rigging, warns of the approaching storm, and directs the crew to take down sails and close portholes.

### Chee-Chee

Helps with the sails and is nearly carried overboard when the canvas is torn away by the wind.

### Bumpo Kahbooboo

Mentioned as being woken by Polynesia to help prepare for the storm.

## Key lines

> As soon as I had the Curlew swung round upon her course again I noticed something peculiar: we were not going as fast as we had been.

After turning the Curlew back on course, Tommy realized the ship had slowed down significantly.

_Highlights the sudden change in sailing conditions that foreshadows the storm._

> If that wind would just stay with us, steady, for a full day we'd see land.

The Doctor expressed hope that a steady wind for just one day would bring them within sight of Brazil.

_Shows the Doctor's optimism and the proximity to land before the storm hits._

> When that storm finally struck us we leaned right over flatly on our side, as though some invisible giant had slapped the poor Curlew on the cheek.

The storm hit so hard that the ship heeled over sharply, as if struck by a giant hand.

_Vivid imagery conveying the sudden and violent force of the storm._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-iv-iii-bad-weather
- 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