Communication with Animals

Where it surfaces

• I Hear of the Great Naturalist

  Matthew reveals that Doctor Dolittle can speak and write animal languages, a central theme introduced in this chapter.

• Polynesia

  The chapter centers on the Doctor's ability to speak with animals and Polynesia's role in teaching him, emphasizing cross-species communication.

• The Wounded Squirrel

  The Doctor chatters with the squirrel in its own language, understanding its loneliness and concerns.

• The Garden of Dreams

  The Doctor understands and interacts with the animals, even playing the flute for snakes.

• My Schoolmaster, Polynesia

  The chapter centers on Polynesia teaching Tommy bird and animal languages, and the Doctor translating a letter for a dog. This theme is central to the narrative.

• V: Mendoza

  Doctor Dolittle's ability to understand and speak with animals is central to the defense strategy, as Bob the dog is called as a witness.

• VI: The Judge's Dog

  Doctor Dolittle demonstrates his unique ability to converse with animals in a formal court setting, convincing the judge of its validity.

• The End of the Mystery

  Bob's testimony, translated by Doctor Dolittle, is the pivotal evidence that resolves the mystery and proves Luke's innocence.

• Long Arrow, the Son of Golden Arrow

  Miranda's ability to relay detailed information from birds across continents underscores the unique animal communication central to the story.

• VIII: The Great Bullfight

  The Doctor speaks to the bulls in their own language, instructing them to act fierce but not harm anyone, demonstrating his unique ability.

• I: Shellfish Languages Again

  The Doctor attempts to understand crabs and the fidgit, discovering the fish speaks English and whistles tunes.

• The Fidgit's Story

  The Doctor's successful deciphering of the fidgit's language, enabling a detailed conversation and the translation of the fidgit's life story.

• IV: Wrecked!

  Tommy attempts to speak with a Stormy Petrel, and Miranda communicates with porpoises to aid the rescue.

• The Jabizri

  The Doctor wishes he could speak beetle language to learn where the Jabizri came from, highlighting his unique bond with animals.

• Hawk's-Head Mountain

  The Doctor and his companions converse with Jip, Chee-Chee, and Polynesia, and use the beetle's homing instinct to locate the cave.

• A Great Moment

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

• What Makes an Island Float

  The Doctor converses with porpoises and whales, learning about the island's drift and enlisting their help to push it north.

• IV: The Sea-Serpent

  The Doctor converses with porpoises and seeks a translator to speak with the snail, highlighting animal communication.

• The Shellfish Riddle Solved at Last

  The Doctor uses a chain of interpreters (porpoises, sea-urchin, starfish) to learn the shellfish language and directly speak with the Great Snail.