The Story of Doctor Dolittle · Theme

Rejection of Materialism

How The Story of Doctor Dolittle develops Rejection of Materialism.

Doctor Dolittle repeatedly prioritizes the well-being of his animal friends over financial gain, selling his possessions and living in poverty rather than abandoning his pets, and later refusing to sell the pushmi-pullyu for profit.

Where it surfaces

Puddleby
Doctor Dolittle prioritizes his animals over money and social standing, selling possessions to care for them.
More Money Troubles
The Doctor dismisses money as a nuisance, valuing happiness and the company of his animal family over wealth.
Home Again
Despite becoming rich, the Doctor calls money 'a terrible nuisance' and only values it for ending worry.