# A Great Moment explained — The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle

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

## What happens

The Doctor and his companions successfully free Long Arrow and nine other Indians trapped behind a massive stone slab in a cave on Spidermonkey Island. After digging away the earth beneath the slab, it falls and cracks open, revealing Long Arrow. The two great naturalists meet, communicating in eagle language. The freed Indians are reunited with their families, and the islanders apologize for their earlier hostility, having mistaken the Doctor for the Devil.

## Themes in this chapter

### Adventure and Exploration

The rescue of Long Arrow from the cave and the discovery of the hidden tunnel exemplify the spirit of adventure and exploration.

### Communication with Animals

The Doctor uses eagle language to communicate with Long Arrow, highlighting the theme of cross-species communication.

### Cultural Exchange and Understanding

The initial fear and misunderstanding between the islanders and the Doctor give way to apology and mutual respect after Long Arrow explains the Doctor's true intentions.

## Character check-ins

### Doctor Dolittle

Leads the effort to free Long Arrow, communicates in eagle language, and is celebrated by the islanders.

### Tommy Stubbins

Narrates the chapter, helps dig and observes the historic meeting between the Doctor and Long Arrow.

### Long Arrow

Freed from the cave after two weeks; communicates with the Doctor in eagle language and expresses gratitude.

### Polynesia

Nods knowingly at the meeting and helps by bringing nuts to the prisoners.

### Chee-Chee

Scales the slab and later fetches fruit and water for the starving Indians.

### Jip

Discovers the slab rests on soft earth, leading to the successful digging strategy.

## Key lines

> It is he! I know him by his great height and the scar upon his chin.

The Doctor recognizes Long Arrow by his tall stature and the scar on his chin.

_The Doctor identifies Long Arrow immediately upon seeing him._

> Great Redskin, never have I been so glad in all my life as I am today to find you still alive.

The Doctor expresses immense joy at finding Long Arrow alive, using eagle language.

_The Doctor communicates in eagle language to greet Long Arrow._

> Mighty White Man, I owe my life to you. For the remainder of my days I am your servant to command.

Long Arrow pledges his lifelong service to the Doctor in gratitude for saving him.

_Long Arrow responds in eagle language, offering his loyalty._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-v-i-a-great-moment
- 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