The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle · Chapter
A Traveler Arrives explained
Tommy Stubbins sits on the garden wall with Dab-Dab, learning about the Doctor's past adventures.
What happens
Tommy Stubbins sits on the garden wall with Dab-Dab, learning about the Doctor's past adventures. They witness a crowd of schoolchildren teasing a strange, ragged figure who turns out to be Chee-Chee the monkey, returning to Puddleby after a long journey. Chee-Chee is warmly welcomed by Doctor Dolittle, Polynesia, Jip, and Tommy, and he begins to tell the story of his travels.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This chapter represents the story's dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak wher…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Friendship and Loyalty
The warm reunion of Chee-Chee with the Doctor and the animals highlights the deep bonds of friendship and loyalty among the group.
- Adventure and Exploration
Chee-Chee's journey from Africa to Puddleby is a testament to the adventurous spirit and the challenges of travel.
- Cultural Exchange and Understanding
Tommy's growing ability to communicate with animals symbolizes cross-species understanding and the exchange of knowledge.
Characters to notice
- Tommy Stubbins
Sitting on the garden wall with Dab-Dab, learning animal language and observing the arrival of Chee-Chee.
- Dab-Dab
Housekeeper duck who tells Tommy about the Doctor's African adventures and defends Chee-Chee from teasing children.
- Chee-Chee
Returns to Puddleby disguised in ragged clothes, climbs over the gate, and is joyfully reunited with the Doctor and friends.
- Polynesia
Flies out to greet Chee-Chee, expressing delight at his return.
- Doctor Dolittle
Welcomes Chee-Chee back and sends Tommy to fetch peanuts and bananas for the monkey.
- Jip
Joins the group welcoming Chee-Chee home.
Key passages
“I had now learned so much from Polynesia that I could talk to most birds and some animals without a great deal of difficulty.”
Tommy has become proficient in animal languages thanks to Polynesia's lessons.
Highlights Tommy's progress in learning animal communication.
“Why, it's Chee-Chee!—Chee-Chee come back at last!”
Dab-Dab recognizes the disguised figure as Chee-Chee, who has finally returned.
Marks the joyful recognition of Chee-Chee's arrival.
“I have always kept them there in case he might come back unexpectedly some day.”
The Doctor had saved peanuts in anticipation of Chee-Chee's return.
Shows the Doctor's hopeful and caring nature.
