# IX: The Election explained — The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle

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

## What happens

The Doctor is awakened by a celebration and learns he has been elected king of both the Popsipetels and the Bag-jagderags, unifying Spidermonkey Island under one monarch. Despite his protests and attempts to find a way out, including consulting Long Arrow, he is ultimately carried to the Whispering Rocks for his coronation.

## Themes in this chapter

### Responsibility and Leadership

The Doctor is thrust into a leadership role he does not want, highlighting the burdens and obligations of kingship versus his personal scientific pursuits.

### Freedom vs. Confinement

The Doctor fears that becoming king will trap him, lamenting that 'who is there unfreer than a king?' and longing for his former freedom to study nature.

## Character check-ins

### Doctor Dolittle

Awakened to the news of his election as king; distressed and resistant, he tries to escape the responsibility but is ultimately carried to the coronation.

### Tommy Stubbins

Narrates the events; follows the Doctor to Long Arrow's house and observes the proceedings.

### Polynesia

Returns from Bag-jagderag and informs the Doctor of his election as king, urging him to accept the situation.

### Bumpo Kahbooboo

Present during the Doctor's distress; comments that his father is a king with many wives.

### Long Arrow

Lying on a grass bed recovering; advises the Doctor that he must accept the kingship for now, as the people are determined.

## Key lines

> I don't want to be a king!

The Doctor repeatedly expresses his strong desire to avoid the kingship.

_This refrain underscores his resistance to the unwanted responsibility._

> who is there unfreer than a king?

The Doctor argues that a king is the least free person, trapped by duties.

_Highlights the theme of freedom vs. confinement._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-v-ix-the-election
- 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