# Della Speaks Her Mind explained — Pollyanna Grows Up

> Chapter companion for Pollyanna Grows Up by Eleanor H. Porter.

## What happens

Della Wetherby visits her sister, Mrs. Carew, and tries to persuade her to break out of her grief-stricken isolation. She suggests that Mrs. Carew take in Pollyanna, a cheerful young girl known for her 'glad game,' hoping the child's optimism might help her sister. After initial resistance, Mrs. Carew reluctantly agrees, though she warns that if Pollyanna preaches to her, she will send her back.

## Themes in this chapter

### Optimism and The Glad Game

Della describes Pollyanna's glad game as a transformative practice that helps her endure pain and find joy in adversity.

### Loss, Grief, and Healing

Mrs. Carew is consumed by grief over her lost son Jamie, and Della tries to help her find a way out of her isolation.

### Charity and Social Responsibility

Della urges Mrs. Carew to engage in charitable work, but Mrs. Carew dismisses it, preferring to give money rather than personal involvement.

## Character check-ins

### Della Wetherby

Visits her sister Mrs. Carew and passionately argues for bringing Pollyanna into the home to lift the gloom.

### Mrs. Carew

Grieving and resistant to change, she initially refuses but eventually agrees to take Pollyanna for the winter.

### Pollyanna Whittier

Discussed at length; her glad game and optimistic influence are described by Della as a potential remedy for Mrs. Carew.

### Dr. Chilton

Mentioned as the doctor who married Pollyanna's aunt and who is planning a trip to Germany.

### Dr. Ames

Mentioned as the Sanatorium doctor who received a letter from Dr. Chilton about Pollyanna.

## Key lines

> I don't know anyone who needs it more!

Della exclaims that Mrs. Carew is in greater need of Pollyanna's influence than anyone she knows.

_Della's frustration with her sister's stubborn grief leads her to make this bold claim._

> One week in that house would kill me.

Della shudders at the oppressive gloom of Mrs. Carew's home, doubting even Pollyanna could make a difference.

_Reflects the depth of despair in Mrs. Carew's household._

> I'll remember—but I'm not worrying any.

Della acknowledges Mrs. Carew's warning about Pollyanna preaching but remains confident the arrangement will work.

_Shows Della's faith in Pollyanna's charm and the hope she brings._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/pollyanna_grows_up_se/chapters/i-della-speaks-her-mind
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/pollyanna_grows_up_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/pollyanna_grows_up_se/chapters