The doctor tends to Niggle at the Workhouse. When Niggle first arrives, the doctor treats him harshly, prescribing bitter medicine. But at the end of Niggle’s time in the Workhouse, the doctor gives him a bottle of tonic, some salve for his hands, and a train ticket. The doctor’s character is a vehicle for Tolkien to demonstrate that Niggle’s endurance of rough treatment is rewarded by gentleness.
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The Doctor Character Timeline in Leaf by Niggle
The timeline below shows where the character The Doctor appears in Leaf by Niggle. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Leaf by Niggle
...his only interactions are with “unfriendly, silent, and strict” officials and attendants and a “severe” doctor. Niggle is given tedious and difficult tasks, he’s not allowed outside, and even the windows...
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...than before. Niggle works until he is completely exhausted, with no thanks from anyone. The doctor visits and orders him to rest in the dark.
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...the sun, there are comfortable clothes (not a uniform) laid out for him, and the doctor treats his sore hands, giving him a bottle of tonic and a ticket for the...
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