Pollyanna Grows Up · Chapter
John Pendleton Turns the Key explained
John Pendleton visits Pollyanna in the garden and, after a tense conversation in the summerhouse, reveals that he loves Mrs.
What happens
John Pendleton visits Pollyanna in the garden and, after a tense conversation in the summerhouse, reveals that he loves Mrs. Carew, not Pollyanna. Overjoyed, Pollyanna writes to Jimmy, who immediately catches a train to Beldingsville.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Marriage
John Pendleton's declaration of love for Mrs. Carew and his desire for a home with her, contrasted with Pollyanna's relief that his affections are not for her.
Personal Growth and Maturity
John Pendleton reflects on how Pollyanna's childhood friendship and the glad game transformed him from a bitter man into someone capable of love.
Characters to notice
- Pollyanna Whittier
Terrified that John Pendleton might propose to her, then relieved and joyful when she learns his love is for Mrs. Carew.
- Jimmy Pendleton
Returns to Boston in a conflicted state after confessing his love to Pollyanna; later receives her letter and catches the train back.
- John Pendleton
Visits Pollyanna to seek her help in winning Mrs. Carew's love, revealing his changed heart and his hope for a home with her.
- Mrs. Carew
Revealed as the woman John Pendleton loves, though she is not present in the scene.
Key passages
“Jimmy went back to Boston that night in a state that was a most tantalizing commingling of happiness, hope, exasperation, and rebellion.”
Jimmy returned to Boston feeling a confusing mix of joy, hope, frustration, and defiance.
Describes Jimmy's emotional turmoil after his visit.
“Pollyanna, tremulously happy in the wondrous thought of Jimmy's love for her, was yet so despairingly terrified at the thought of the possible love of John Pendleton, that there was not a thrill of joy that did not carry its pang of fear.”
Pollyanna was both thrilled by Jimmy's love and terrified that John Pendleton might propose to her, so her joy was mixed with fear.
Highlights Pollyanna's conflicting emotions.
“I still think it takes a woman's hand and heart or a child's presence to make a home.”
John Pendleton reiterates his belief that a home requires either a woman's love or a child's presence.
Key statement of John Pendleton's philosophy on home and family.
“Oh, Jimmy, he doesn't love me a bit. It's someone else. I mustn't tell you who it is—but her name isn't Pollyanna.”
Pollyanna writes to Jimmy that John Pendleton loves another woman, not her.
Pollyanna's joyful letter to Jimmy, clearing up the misunderstanding.