The Story of Doctor Dolittle

Hugh Lofting’s Doctor Dolittle reflects the early 20th-century colonial perspective of white Western Europeans. The novel, which follows the adventures of a veterinarian who can communicate with animals, highlights the pervasive influence of colonialism and interventionist attitudes of the era. As Dolittle journeys to lands far from his home and interacts with Indigenous cultures, Lofting portrays him as a benevolent figure bringing knowledge and assistance to “less civilized” societies. This depiction aligns with the paternalistic and racist philosophy of colonial literature. These elements, indicative of the period’s worldview, invite critique and discussion on the legacy of colonialism.

A striking example comes in the depiction of the Jolliginki people and their king, who attempts to imprison and enslave Dolittle because his skin color is that of the “White Man.” Lofting portrays the African Jolliginki people as victims of colonial exploitation, with their lands left barren, their gold extracted, and their elephants slaughtered for tusks, and reifies the colonial narrative of Indigenous cultures as primitive and victimized caricatures. Additionally, original editions of Doctor Dolittle included overtly racist content, such as a storyline involving Prince Bumpo’s request for skin bleaching, which was later removed due to its offensive nature. Examining the book’s publication history and the subsequent edits provides insight into the evolving perspectives on colonialism, xenophobia, and racism. Moreover, Dolittle’s financial success from his travels, acquired through the rare two-headed pushmi-pullyu gifted by the monkeys, also reflects early 20th-century attitudes that leave questions of privilege, appropriation, and exploitation uninterrogated. Despite his reluctance, Dolittle’s tour with the rare creature, charging admission, highlights the exploitation and commodification of the “exotic.” Analyzing Doctor Dolittle through the post-colonial lens reveals the themes of exploitation, racism and paternalism interwoven in Lofting’s work. This contextual analysis underscores the importance of understanding historical literature to grasp the prevailing ideologies of its time and encourages critical examination of the progression of social and environmental consciousness over time.