# After Long Years explained — Pollyanna Grows Up

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

## What happens

Pollyanna reveals her love for Jimmy to Aunt Polly, who vehemently opposes the match due to Jimmy's unknown lineage. Jimmy learns of the objection and, realizing he cannot provide information about his father without opening a sealed packet, decides to open it. The packet reveals that Jimmy is actually Jamie, the long-lost nephew of Mrs. Carew. Jimmy and John Pendleton plan to visit Mrs. Carew to share the news, but Jimmy worries about the impact on the other Jamie.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Marriage

Pollyanna and Jimmy's love is challenged by Aunt Polly's objections based on social class and family background.

### Family and Belonging

Jimmy's discovery of his true identity as Jamie connects him to a new family, while Jamie Kent's sense of belonging is threatened.

### Social Class and Inequality

Aunt Polly's opposition stems from concerns about Jimmy's unknown pedigree and social standing.

## Character check-ins

### Pollyanna Whittier

Confesses her love for Jimmy to Aunt Polly and is devastated by her aunt's opposition.

### Aunt Polly

Firmly opposes Pollyanna's marriage to Jimmy due to his unknown family background.

### Jimmy Pendleton

Learns of Aunt Polly's objection and opens his father's packet, discovering he is Jamie, Mrs. Carew's nephew.

### John Pendleton

Helps Jimmy open the packet and accompanies him to visit Mrs. Carew.

### Mrs. Carew

Is the aunt of the real Jamie, now revealed to be Jimmy.

### Jamie Kent

Mentioned as the boy who believes he is Mrs. Carew's nephew; Jimmy worries about the impact on him.

## Key lines

> Aunt Polly, I'm so happy I just had to tell someone. I want to tell you. May I?

Pollyanna asks her aunt's permission to share her joyful news.

_Pollyanna's excitement to confide in Aunt Polly about her love for Jimmy._

> Never, never will I give my consent to your marrying Jimmy Bean.

Aunt Polly firmly refuses to allow Pollyanna to marry Jimmy.

_Aunt Polly's strong opposition to the match._

> That packet has got to be opened, sir.

Jimmy insists on opening his father's sealed packet immediately.

_Jimmy's determination to uncover the secret about his family._

> By George! Uncle John, I forgot—Jamie. This is going to be tough on—Jamie!

Jimmy suddenly realizes the emotional impact his true identity will have on Jamie Kent.

_Jimmy's concern for Jamie's feelings upon learning he is not the real nephew._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/pollyanna_grows_up_se/chapters/xxxi-after-long-years
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/pollyanna_grows_up_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/pollyanna_grows_up_se/chapters