Pollyanna Grows Up · Chapter
Pollyanna Takes a Walk explained
On a beautiful September Saturday, Pollyanna, left to her own devices, decides to explore Boston.
What happens
On a beautiful September Saturday, Pollyanna, left to her own devices, decides to explore Boston. She discovers the Public Garden, mistakes it for a private party, and learns it is a public park. She tries to make friends, first with a grim ex-convict and then with a lonely shop girl, both of whom she engages in conversation, attempting to spread her glad philosophy.
Themes in this chapter
Optimism and The Glad Game
Pollyanna applies her glad philosophy even in a lonely city, finding joy in the Public Garden and trying to cheer up a grim stranger.
Social Class and Inequality
The chapter contrasts the wealthy residents of Commonwealth Avenue with the ex-convict and the lonely shop girl, highlighting urban isolation and class divides.
Characters to notice
- Pollyanna Whittier
Takes her first real walk in Boston, explores the Public Garden, and tries to befriend strangers.
- Mrs. Carew
Mentioned as having given Pollyanna permission to amuse herself; not physically present in the chapter.
- Jimmy Pendleton
Not present; referenced only in the context of Pollyanna's past in Beldingsville.
- Susie Smith
Mentioned as a possible acquaintance Pollyanna looks for among the children at the pond.
Key passages
“It was on the second Saturday afternoon that Pollyanna took her memorable walk.”
Pollyanna's significant walk occurred on the second Saturday of her stay.
Establishes the timing of this key event in the chapter.
“I said 'twas a nice day; but I don't care about that especially. That is, of course I'm glad it's a nice day, but I said it just as a beginning to things, and I'd just as soon talk about something else—anything else. It's only that I wanted you to talk—about something, you see.”
Pollyanna admits she uses small talk as a way to start a conversation, not because she cares deeply about the weather.
Shows Pollyanna's social strategy and her desire to connect with others.
“The lonesomest place in all the world is in a crowd in a big city.”
Being surrounded by many people can make one feel the most isolated.
Captures the theme of urban loneliness expressed by the shop girl.