# Aunt Polly Takes Alarm explained — Pollyanna Grows Up

> Chapter companion for Pollyanna Grows Up by Eleanor H. Porter.

## What happens

Aunt Polly receives a letter from Della Wetherby detailing the remarkable transformation in Mrs. Carew's life and attitude, all thanks to Pollyanna's influence. While Dr. Chilton celebrates Pollyanna as a 'cure,' Aunt Polly worries that such praise might spoil the child and make her self-conscious. She decides to take Pollyanna to Germany with them to keep her sweet and unspoiled.

## Themes in this chapter

### Personal Growth and Maturity

Mrs. Carew's transformation from bitterness to enthusiastic engagement with life, and Aunt Polly's protective concern for Pollyanna's development.

### Family and Belonging

Jamie finds a new home with Mrs. Carew; Aunt Polly's decision to keep Pollyanna close by taking her to Germany.

### Charity and Social Responsibility

Mrs. Carew's care for Jamie and Della's gratitude highlight the positive impact of helping others.

## Character check-ins

### Aunt Polly

Expresses concern that Pollyanna might become spoiled if she realizes her own influence; decides to take Pollyanna to Germany.

### Pollyanna Whittier

Unconsciously responsible for Mrs. Carew's transformation; Aunt Polly wants to protect her from becoming a 'prig.'

### Della Wetherby

Writes a letter to Aunt Polly describing the positive changes in Mrs. Carew and Jamie due to Pollyanna.

### Mrs. Carew

Shows dramatic improvement: shades up, music playing, roses in the house, and enthusiastic about Jamie's development.

### Jamie Kent

Now living with Mrs. Carew, in a wheelchair, pale but happy, receiving tutoring and music training.

### Dr. Chilton

Supports Aunt Polly's plan to go to Germany; sees Pollyanna as a tonic but agrees to keep her unspoiled.

## Key lines

> I wish I could make you see what your little niece has done for my sister; but I'm afraid I can't.

Della Wetherby expresses that words cannot fully convey the positive change Pollyanna has brought to Mrs. Carew.

_Opening of Della's letter, setting the tone of gratitude and amazement._

> Harm! Thomas Chilton, that child is growing older every day. Do you want to spoil her?

Aunt Polly warns that praising Pollyanna too much could make her conceited and ruin her natural goodness.

_Aunt Polly's core concern driving her decision to take Pollyanna abroad._

> I've got to. That's all. Furthermore, I should be glad to plan to stay a few years, just as you said you'd like to.

Aunt Polly insists on taking Pollyanna to Germany for an extended stay to protect her innocence.

_Aunt Polly's decisive plan to remove Pollyanna from the spotlight._

## Links

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