The Story of Doctor Dolittle

Polynesia and Chee-Chee, two of the most significant animal characters in Doctor Dolittle, contribute uniquely to the narrative through their interactions with Doctor Dolittle and other characters, which illustrate the importance of empathy, understanding, and cooperation. Their decision to stay in Africa at the end of the story reinforces the message that true happiness and fulfillment come from living in harmony with one’s natural surroundings and being true to oneself. This resolution enriches the story, making it a tale of adventure, personal growth, and the quest for a place to call home.

Lofting characterizes Polynesia, the wise and articulate parrot, as indispensable to Doctor Dolittle due to her intelligence and ability to understand both human and animal languages. Her multi-lingual skills, which she imparts to Dolittle, enable him to communicate with his animal patients, transforming his practice and setting the stage for the story’s adventures. Beyond her role as a teacher, Polynesia is a strategist, often devising plans that ensure the group’s safety and success. Her clever ploy to hypnotize Prince Bumpo and orchestrate the escape from the King of Jolliginki’s prison reveals her ingenuity.

Chee-Chee, the adventurous monkey, embodies resourcefulness and loyalty. His agility, curiosity, and quick wit are crucial during the group’s numerous escapades, particularly in navigating dense forests or escaping perilous situations. It is Chee-Chee who serves as the catalyst for Dolittle’s adventure when he informs the doctor of the sick monkey epidemic. His background as unhappy and mistreated before meeting Doctor Dolittle adds depth to his character, reflecting themes of liberation and self-discovery.

Both Polynesia and Chee-Chee’s decisions to remain in Africa highlight their intrinsic ties to the continent and their need for a natural, unrestricted environment. Polynesia’s decision signifies her transformation from a domesticated pet to a free, self-determined being, reaffirming her wisdom and loyalty in a context that feels more natural to her. Likewise, for Chee-Chee, his choice to stay in Africa is deeply rooted in his sense of belonging and freedom. Africa offers him a sense of home where he can truly be himself, free from the constraints he once faced as a pet. Polynesia and Chee-Chee’s previous domestication and mistreatment also highlight the novel’s thematic interest in The Impact of Human Activity on Nature.

Dab-Dab, Jip, Gub-Gub, and Too-Too are central animal characters in Doctor Dolittle, each contributing uniquely to the narrative through their distinct personalities and roles, which enrich the overarching themes. Together, Dab-Dab, Jip, Gub-Gub, and Too-Too form a cohesive and dynamic team, supporting Doctor Dolittle on his quests. 

Dab-Dab, the resourceful duck, serves as a caretaker and assistant to Doctor Dolittle. Her practical nature and organizational skills are crucial in managing the household and supporting the Doctor’s practice. Dab-Dab’s sharp eye for detail and no-nonsense attitude often keep the group focused and prepared for their various adventures. Her transformation from a domestic helper to an essential team member, taking on more significant responsibilities, highlights her growth.

Jip, the dog with an extraordinary sense of smell, is characterized by his unwavering loyalty and bravery. His keen olfactory abilities play a vital role in tracking and locating Tommy’s missing uncle by identifying the scent of Black Rappee snuff. Jip’s transformation from a loyal pet to a key operative in the group’s adventures highlights his growth and the doctor’s increasing reliance on his unique talents. Jip’s devotion to Doctor Dolittle and his willingness to face danger exemplify loyalty and courage.

Gub-Gub, the comic and endearing pig, adds humor and lightheartedness to the story. His innocence, curiosity, and love for food often lead to amusing situations, providing comic relief during tense moments in the plot. Despite his simple nature, Gub-Gub evolves from a comical figure into a beloved member of the group, despite sometimes leading the group into trouble. Gub-Gub’s childlike wonder and occasional clumsiness endear him to the doctor and the other animals, highlighting the importance of every member of a community, regardless of their perceived strengths or weaknesses.

Too-Too, the owl with exceptional hearing, is characterized by his wisdom and perceptiveness. His ability to hear the faintest sounds proves invaluable, particularly when he detects the presence of the boy behind the locked door on the pirate ship. His insights and acute senses often guide the group through challenging situations; he is a vital advisor, using his abilities for the greater good.

The King of Jolliginki is depicted as a tyrannical and hostile figure, embodying resentment and mistrust toward white outsiders. He attempts to imprison and enslave Doctor Dolittle, motivated by the association of Dolittle’s skin color with the oppressive “White Man.” This characterization highlights the legitimate grievances of the Jolliginki people, whose lands have been ravaged by colonial exploitation. However, the king’s portrayal leans heavily on the colonial stereotype of African leaders as vengeful, irrational, and easily deceived. This one-dimensional depiction simplifies the complex historical injustices into a narrative of primitive aggression, creating conflict for the protagonist but failing to fully capture the depth of the colonized experience.

Lofting’s depiction of the king’s son, Prince Bumpo, evokes a similarly racist, white colonialist stereotype of the inferior intelligence of Africans. When the king and his soldiers capture Doctor Dolittle and his animal companions, imprisoning them for the second time, Polynesia the parrot hypnotizes Prince Bumpo, coercing him into freeing them. The ease with which Polynesia hypnotizes the prince emphasizes Lofting’s racist portrayal of Indigenous African leaders as simple and easily dominated, reinforcing the racist and xenophobic assumptions of Lofting’s cultural framework.

The broader depiction of the Jolliginki people reflects the devastating effects of colonialism: stripped resources, slaughtered elephants, and a desolate environment. The king’s recounting of these injustices forms the basis for their animosity toward white outsiders. However, this portrayal risks oversimplifying their response to colonial exploitation, framing them primarily as antagonists rather than victims of a complex historical injustice. From a postcolonial perspective, the narrative surrounding the Jolliginki people, while critiquing the exploitative nature of colonialism, also perpetuates colonial stereotypes. The King of Jolliginki’s portrayal as a despotic ruler and his son as easily manipulated reinforces negative stereotypes of African leaders. The characters of the King of Jolliginki and Prince Bumpo are central to understanding the colonial context and its representation in The Story of Doctor Dolittle. Their portrayals offer a critique of colonial exploitation while also reflecting the implicit bias of the narrative lens.