Pollyanna Grows Up · Chapter
A Dose of Pollyanna explained
Pollyanna arrives in Boston to stay with Mrs.
What happens
Pollyanna arrives in Boston to stay with Mrs. Carew, who is resentful and anxious about the arrangement. Della Wetherby leaves them alone immediately after the meeting, forcing Mrs. Carew to manage the child. Pollyanna's cheerful and talkative nature disarms Mrs. Carew, who finds herself unable to send her away despite her irritation. The chapter ends with Mrs. Carew writing to Della in exasperation, admitting she cannot bring herself to reject Pollyanna's innocent gratitude.
Themes in this chapter
Optimism and The Glad Game
Pollyanna consistently applies her glad philosophy, finding reasons to be happy about her arrival, Mrs. Carew's company, and the beauty of Boston, despite Mrs. Carew's coldness.
Social Class and Inequality
Pollyanna's observations about wealth—diamond rings, automobiles, and silk dresses—highlight class distinctions, while her innocent comments contrast with Mrs. Carew's jaded perspective.
Family and Belonging
Pollyanna's arrival at Mrs. Carew's home explores themes of unwanted obligation and the search for connection, as Mrs. Carew reluctantly accepts the child into her household.
Characters to notice
- Pollyanna Whittier
Arrives in Boston to stay with Mrs. Carew; displays her characteristic optimism and talkativeness, disarming Mrs. Carew with her gladness and innocent observations.
- Mrs. Carew
Initially resentful and exasperated about Pollyanna's arrival; struggles with her own irritation and finds herself unable to send the child away due to Pollyanna's relentless cheerfulness.
- Della Wetherby
Arranges Pollyanna's stay with Mrs. Carew; deliberately leaves Pollyanna alone with her sister after the station meeting, hoping Pollyanna's nature will win Mrs. Carew over.
- Aunt Polly
Mentioned as having given consent for Pollyanna to stay with Mrs. Carew; referenced in Pollyanna's anecdotes about her aunt's views on automobiles and pride.
- Perkins
The chauffeur who drives Mrs. Carew and Pollyanna home; smiles at Pollyanna's enthusiasm and is addressed by Mrs. Carew.
Key passages
“I expect maybe you thought—I'd be pretty. ... And of course I'm not pretty, on account of the freckles, and it isn't nice when you've been expecting a pretty little girl, to have one come like me; and—”
Pollyanna worries that Mrs. Carew is disappointed by her plain appearance, especially her freckles, and apologizes for not being the pretty child Mrs. Carew might have expected.
Pollyanna's self-awareness and insecurity about her looks contrast with her usual optimism, revealing vulnerability.
“I don't mean the kind that's glad because you've got something somebody else can't have; but the kind that just—just makes you want to shout and yell and bang doors, you know, even if it isn't proper.”
Pollyanna clarifies that her joy about Mrs. Carew's beautiful home is not sinful pride but an overwhelming, exuberant happiness that makes her want to celebrate.
Pollyanna distinguishes between prideful gladness and innocent joy, showing her moral awareness and desire to avoid offending Mrs. Carew.
“I've tried to three times, but every time, before I get the words out of my mouth, she stops them by telling me what a perfectly lovely time she is having, and how glad she is to be here, and how good I am to let her live with me...”
Mrs. Carew writes to Della that she has attempted to send Pollyanna away three times, but each time Pollyanna's expressions of gratitude and happiness prevent her from doing so.
Mrs. Carew's letter reveals her frustration and helplessness in the face of Pollyanna's relentless optimism, which disarms her intentions.
