Detailed Summary: The Story of Doctor Dolittle | Oxford English for Class 4 PDF Download

Key Points of the Story

• Doctor John Dolittle lived in a small town called Puddleby-on-the-Marsh.
• He was a very good doctor, known by everyone, including children, dogs, and crows.
• Dr. Dolittle had a small house with a big garden filled with many animals.
• His pets included rabbits, mice, a squirrel, a cow, a horse, chickens, a duck named Dab-Dab, a dog named Jip, a pig named Gub-Gub, a parrot named Polynesia, and an owl named Too-Too.
• His sister, Sarah Dolittle, was his housekeeper and often complained about the mess caused by the animals.
• One day, an old lady accidentally sat on the hedgehog, which scared her away from visiting Dr. Dolittle.
• Sarah warned Dr. Dolittle that keeping all the animals would make people stop coming to him for help.
• Despite Sarah’s warnings, Dr. Dolittle preferred the company of his animals over people.
• Over time, fewer patients visited him, and he lost his reputation as a good doctor.
• A man who sells cat food suggested that Dr. Dolittle should become an animal doctor instead of a people’s doctor.
• The man believed Dr. Dolittle could help animals better than most veterinarians because he understood them well.
• Polynesia the parrot encouraged Dr. Dolittle to become an animal doctor, saying he could make money and be happier helping animals.
• Dr. Dolittle learned from Polynesia that animals can talk to each other in their own language.
• Excited by this discovery, Dr. Dolittle started writing down the words of bird language that Polynesia taught him.
• This marked the beginning of many new adventures where Dr. Dolittle could understand and help his animal friends even better.

Detailed Summary

Once upon a time, there was a kind doctor named John Dolittle who lived in a small town called Puddleby-on-the-Marsh. Doctor Dolittle loved animals more than people and had many pets like a dog named Jip, a duck named Dab-Dab, a pig named Gub-Gub, a parrot named Polynesia, and an owl named Too-Too. His sister, Sarah, didn't like all the animals because they made the house messy.

One day, an old lady accidentally sat on the hedgehog, and she stopped visiting Doctor Dolittle. Sarah told John that having so many animals was bad for his practice, but John said he liked animals more than people. As time went by, fewer people came to see him, and he had no money left.

One day, a man with a stomach ache suggested that Doctor Dolittle should become an animal doctor instead of a people’s doctor. His parrot, Polynesia, told him that animals can talk in their own language. Excited, Doctor Dolittle started learning the animals' language by writing down their words. This discovery marked the beginning of many new adventures where Doctor Dolittle could understand and help his animal friends even better.

This story shows Doctor Dolittle’s love for animals and how he begins to understand their special languages, leading to exciting new adventures.

Theme/ Message

The main theme of the story is the importance of understanding and caring for animals. Dr. Dolittle's deep love for animals shows us that they are important beings worthy of care and attention. He prefers the company of animals over people, which highlights how some individuals may feel more connected to animals than to humans. This theme encourages empathy and kindness towards all living creatures.

Another crucial message in this story is about following one's passion and finding happiness in what you love. Dr. Dolittle realizes that his true calling may lie in helping animals rather than people. This teaches us that it is important to pursue what makes us happy and fulfilled, even if it is different from what others expect of us. It suggests that by focusing on our interests and talents, we can find a path that brings joy to our lives.

Difficult Words

• Rheumatism: A medical condition that causes pain and stiffness in the muscles and joints.
• Grumble: To complain in a quiet or low voice.
• Untidy: Not organized or messy.
• Veterinarian: A doctor who treats animals.
• Excited: Very happy and enthusiastic.
• Language: A system of communication used by people or animals.
• Understanding: The ability to comprehend or grasp ideas and feelings.
• Accidentally: Happening by chance or without intention.
• Encourage: To give support or confidence to someone.
• Reputation: The beliefs or opinions that are generally held about someone.
• Passion: A strong feeling of enthusiasm or excitement for something.
• Connection: A relationship or bond with someone or something.
• Fulfilled: Feeling satisfied and happy because you are doing what you want to do.
• Invaluable: Extremely useful or valuable; priceless.
• Companionship: The feeling of friendship or being with others.