Pollyanna Grows Up · Chapter
Some Old Friends explained
Pollyanna learns about Mrs.
What happens
Pollyanna learns about Mrs. Carew, Miss Della Wetherby's sister, and eagerly anticipates meeting her, believing sisters are alike. Aunt Polly exchanges letters with Della Wetherby, who requests Pollyanna's company to help heal Mrs. Carew's grief. Dr. Chilton reads a letter from Dr. Ames revealing the tragic history of the Wetherby family, including the disappearance of little Jamie Kent. Meanwhile, Pollyanna says farewell to her Beldingsville friends, including Jimmy Pendleton, who is now adopted and resentful of her departure.
Themes in this chapter
Optimism and The Glad Game
Pollyanna applies the glad game to her departure, finding joy in having had time with friends and anticipating new connections.
Family and Belonging
Jimmy's adoption by John Pendleton gives him a legal family and name; the Wetherby family's loss of Jamie underscores the theme of belonging.
Loss, Grief, and Healing
Mrs. Carew's eight years of misery over her lost nephew; Della Wetherby hopes Pollyanna can heal her sister's heart.
Characters to notice
- Pollyanna Whittier
Excitedly anticipates meeting Mrs. Carew, believing sisters are alike; prepares for winter stay in Boston by visiting friends.
- Aunt Polly
Corresponds with Della Wetherby about Pollyanna's visit; initially reluctant to let Pollyanna go to Boston.
- Jimmy Pendleton
Indignant about Pollyanna's departure; reveals he has been legally adopted by John Pendleton and is now Jimmy Pendleton.
- Mrs. Carew
Della Wetherby's sister; described as having a wounded heart and living in gloom and bitterness after losing her nephew.
- Della Wetherby
Writes a persuasive letter to Aunt Polly requesting Pollyanna's company to help her sister; a nurse with a cheerful disposition.
- Dr. Chilton
Reads a letter from Dr. Ames revealing the Wetherby family history and supports the idea of Pollyanna visiting Mrs. Carew.
Key passages
“I was there two years ago with Mrs. Gray. We were there two whole hours, you know, on my way here from out West.”
Pollyanna recalls visiting the Boston station two years prior with Mrs. Gray.
Shows Pollyanna's memory and her tendency to connect past experiences with present plans.
“Why, Jimmy Bean! My Ladies' Aiders weren't old women—that is, not many of them, so very old.”
Pollyanna corrects Jimmy's insult about the Ladies' Aiders, insisting they weren't all elderly.
Illustrates Pollyanna's literalness and her defense of her former caretakers.
“I've been adopted, legally. He's been intending to do it, all along, he says, only he didn't get to it. Now he's done it. I'm to be called 'Jimmy Pendleton'.”
Jimmy announces his legal adoption by John Pendleton and his new surname.
Highlights Jimmy's new sense of identity and belonging.
“I always said I wished I could prescribe her and buy her as I would a box of pills; and Charlie Ames says they always made it a point at the Sanatorium to give their patients a dose of Pollyanna as soon as possible after their arrival.”
Dr. Chilton and Dr. Ames humorously describe Pollyanna as a therapeutic 'dose' for patients.
Emphasizes Pollyanna's uplifting effect on others, central to the glad game theme.
