Pollyanna Grows Up · Chapter
A Waiting and a Winning explained
As Pollyanna's departure approaches, Mrs.
What happens
As Pollyanna's departure approaches, Mrs. Carew realizes how much Jamie and Pollyanna have changed her life. She finally asks Jamie to stay, and he agrees when he sees she truly cares. Pollyanna also brings Sadie Dean into Mrs. Carew's life, helping her understand the loneliness of working girls. The chapter culminates in a successful New Year's Eve party and Mrs. Carew's growing emotional connections.
Themes in this chapter
Loss, Grief, and Healing
Mrs. Carew's grief for her lost nephew is gradually transformed as she opens her heart to Jamie and Sadie Dean, finding healing through new connections.
Charity and Social Responsibility
Pollyanna's efforts to involve Mrs. Carew in helping Sadie Dean and Jamie highlight the theme of social responsibility and the impact of personal kindness.
Characters to notice
- Mrs. Carew
Struggles with pride and heart as she realizes Pollyanna's departure will leave her lonely; finally asks Jamie to stay and begins to understand Sadie Dean's plight.
- Pollyanna Whittier
Orchestrates the New Year's Eve party and continues to bring people together, including Sadie Dean and Jamie, despite Mrs. Carew's resistance.
- Jamie Kent
Hesitates to accept Mrs. Carew's offer but ultimately agrees when he perceives her genuine care; participates in the party with stories and games.
- Sadie Dean
Reveals her knowledge of games at the party and shares her story of loneliness and a former friend's downfall, prompting Mrs. Carew's empathy.
- Jerry Murphy
Attends the party with Jamie, contributing good-natured banter and helping to amuse the guests.
Key passages
“What I’m going to do I don’t know; but I suppose I shall have to keep right on doing as I am doing. There is no other way. Of course, if Pollyanna once begins to preach—but she hasn’t yet; so I can’t, with a clear conscience, send her back to you.”
Mrs. Carew writes to her sister that she is at a loss but must continue as she is, noting that Pollyanna hasn't preached yet, so she can't justify sending her home.
Mrs. Carew's letter reveals her reluctant acceptance of Pollyanna's influence.
“If it could always be—like tonight, I—could,” he sighed. “But it wouldn’t. There’d be tomorrow, and next week, and next month, and next year comin’; and I’d know before next week that I hadn’t oughter come.”
Jamie tells Mrs. Carew he could stay if every night were like the party, but he fears the future will prove his decision wrong.
Jamie's hesitation reflects his fear of disappointment and impermanence.
“I know she isn’t,” sympathized Pollyanna quickly. “And of course I’m just as sorry she isn’t Jamie as can be. But she’s somebody’s Jamie—that is, I mean she hasn’t got anybody down here to love her and—and notice, you know; and so whenever you remember Jamie I should think you couldn’t be glad enough there was somebody you could help, just as you’d want folks to help Jamie, wherever he is.”
Pollyanna acknowledges Sadie isn't Jamie but argues that she is someone else's loved one who needs help, urging Mrs. Carew to be glad she can assist her.
Pollyanna's logic reframes Mrs. Carew's grief into an opportunity for compassion.