Pollyanna Grows Up · Chapter
Jimmy and the Green-Eyed Monster explained
Pollyanna returns to Beldingsville and visits old friends, discussing her time in Boston and her concerns about social inequality.
What happens
Pollyanna returns to Beldingsville and visits old friends, discussing her time in Boston and her concerns about social inequality. She talks with Mr. Pendleton about the divide between rich and poor, and later faces jealousy from Jimmy Pendleton when she speaks warmly of Jamie.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Inequality
Pollyanna questions the disparity between rich and poor, discussing wealth distribution with Mr. Pendleton.
Family and Belonging
Jimmy shares memories of his father and his past, revealing his sensitivity about names and identity.
Characters to notice
- Pollyanna Whittier
Returns to Beldingsville and visits friends, discussing her Boston experiences and social observations.
- John Pendleton
Listens to Pollyanna's thoughts on Boston and social inequality, then asks about Jamie.
- Jimmy Pendleton
Expresses jealousy over Pollyanna's frequent mentions of Jamie, revealing his father's dislike of the name 'Jamie'.
- Jamie Kent
Discussed by Pollyanna as a boy she met in Boston; subject of Jimmy's jealousy.
- Mrs. Carew
Mentioned in Pollyanna's account of Boston, particularly regarding her views on charity and socializing.
Key passages
“Oh, I liked it—I just loved it—some of it.”
Pollyanna says she enjoyed parts of Boston but not everything.
Pollyanna's mixed feelings about her Boston visit.
“I don't understand why some folks should have such a lot, and other folks shouldn't have anything; and I don't like it.”
Pollyanna expresses confusion and disapproval of economic inequality.
Pollyanna's critique of wealth disparity.
“Say, look a-here, wasn't there anybody else down to Boston but just that everlasting 'Jamie'?”
Jimmy angrily asks if Pollyanna only talked about Jamie while in Boston.
Jimmy's jealousy over Pollyanna's attention to Jamie.