Pollyanna Grows Up · Chapter
A New Aladdin explained
John Pendleton and Jimmy travel to Boston.
What happens
John Pendleton and Jimmy travel to Boston. John arranges a meeting with Mrs. Carew, during which Jimmy is revealed as her nephew. John also announces his engagement to Mrs. Carew. Jamie and Sadie Dean then announce their own engagement. Finally, John produces Pollyanna, who has been invited for a visit, and Jimmy openly embraces and kisses her, confirming their love.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Marriage
Multiple engagements and romantic unions are celebrated: John Pendleton and Mrs. Carew, Jamie and Sadie, and Jimmy and Pollyanna.
Family and Belonging
Jimmy is accepted as Mrs. Carew's nephew, and John Pendleton expresses that he will not lose Jimmy, reinforcing new family bonds.
Optimism and The Glad Game
Pollyanna expresses joy and gratitude for everything, saying she is 'glad, glad, glad for everything, now!'
Characters to notice
- Jimmy Pendleton
Arrives at Mrs. Carew's house to reveal his identity as her nephew; later embraces Pollyanna.
- John Pendleton
Arranges the meeting, announces his engagement to Mrs. Carew, and orchestrates Pollyanna's surprise arrival.
- Mrs. Carew
Accepts Jimmy as her nephew and becomes engaged to John Pendleton.
- Jamie Kent
Announces his engagement to Sadie Dean.
- Sadie Dean
Becomes engaged to Jamie Kent.
- Pollyanna Whittier
Arrives unexpectedly at Mrs. Carew's house; is kissed by Jimmy, confirming their love.
Key passages
“And I think it's so fine of you—about Jamie!”
Mrs. Carew praises Jimmy for his generous attitude toward Jamie.
Mrs. Carew acknowledges Jimmy's willingness to share his newfound family with Jamie.
“Let's play I was Aladdin, and let me rub the lamp.”
John Pendleton suggests he will magically produce a surprise, like Aladdin's genie.
John Pendleton uses the Aladdin metaphor to introduce Pollyanna's unexpected arrival.
“Oh, Jimmy, isn't it all beautiful and wonderful?”
Pollyanna marvels at the happy turn of events.
Pollyanna expresses her overwhelming joy at the reunions and engagements.