Pollyanna Grows Up · Chapter
Comrades explained
The chapter depicts a harmonious summer retreat where Pollyanna, Mrs.
What happens
The chapter depicts a harmonious summer retreat where Pollyanna, Mrs. Carew, Jamie, Sadie Dean, Jimmy, and John Pendleton enjoy close companionship in the woods. Conversations reveal Jamie's uncertainty about his identity as Jamie Kent, his gratitude for Mrs. Carew's love, and his efforts to help Jerry and his mother. Pollyanna shares her wish to write stories to support Aunt Polly, while Mrs. Carew and Sadie Dean credit Pollyanna for inspiring positive changes in their lives. The chapter emphasizes the joy of authentic relationships and the healing power of nature.
Themes in this chapter
Family and Belonging
Jamie's identity crisis and Mrs. Carew's longing for her lost nephew highlight the deep need for familial connection and the pain of uncertainty.
Optimism and The Glad Game
Jamie quickly recovers from bitterness about his crutches by playing the Glad Game, and Pollyanna's cheerful outlook pervades the chapter.
Personal Growth and Maturity
Pollyanna considers writing stories to support herself and Aunt Polly, showing her growing sense of responsibility and ambition.
Characters to notice
- Pollyanna Whittier
Reflects on her desire to help Aunt Polly and considers writing stories for income; enjoys the companionship of the group and feels especially at ease with Jimmy.
- Mrs. Carew
Expresses her deep love for Jamie and her ongoing anguish about whether he is truly Jamie Kent; credits Pollyanna for beginning her changed outlook on life.
- Jamie Kent
Speaks of his conviction that he is Jamie Kent and his fear of disappointing Mrs. Carew; shows bitterness about his crutches but quickly recovers with the Glad Game; mentions helping Jerry and his mother.
- Jimmy Pendleton
Engages in lighthearted banter about poetry and bridges; provides comfort and understanding to Pollyanna, who finds him restful and strong.
- Sadie Dean
Shares her appreciation for the authenticity of life in the woods; talks about the new Home and her gratitude to Mrs. Carew and Pollyanna.
- John Pendleton
Teases Pollyanna about her appearance but then sincerely tells her she is beautiful, reminding her of her mother's eyes and smile.
Key passages
“It's only that sometimes I get to thinking: if he isn't our Jamie, where is—Jamie Kent? Is he well? Is he happy? Has he anyone to love him? When I get to thinking like that, Pollyanna, I'm nearly wild.”
Mrs. Carew confesses that her anxiety about Jamie's true identity torments her, wondering if the real Jamie Kent is safe and loved.
Reveals Mrs. Carew's unresolved grief and the emotional weight of Jamie's uncertain origins.
“I believe I am Jamie Kent. I've believed it quite a while. I'm afraid I've believed it so long now, that—that I just couldn't bear it, to find out I wasn't he.”
Jamie admits that his belief in being Jamie Kent has become essential to his identity, and he fears the devastation of discovering otherwise.
Highlights Jamie's psychological investment in his claimed identity and his fear of disappointing Mrs. Carew.
“Up here everything is so real and true that we, too, can be our real true selves—not what the world says we are because we are rich, or poor, or great, or humble; but what we really are, ourselves.”
Sadie Dean reflects that the natural setting allows the group to shed societal labels and be authentic.
Emphasizes the chapter's theme of genuine companionship and freedom from social constraints.
