Pollyanna · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for Pollyanna by Eleanor H. Porter.
Chapter 1
Dedication
The book is dedicated to the author's cousin, Belle.
Chapter 2
Pollyanna
Pollyanna Whittier arrives in Beldingsville to live with her stern Aunt Polly Harrington after her father's death. Despite her aunt's cold welcome and the modest attic room she is given, Pollyanna's cheerful disposition and the 'glad game' taught by her father begin to touch those around her, including the maid Nancy and the town's reclusive bachelor, John Pendleton.
Chapter 3
Miss Polly
Miss Polly Harrington, a stern and wealthy woman, receives a letter informing her of the death of her sister Jennie's husband, the Rev. John Whittier, and that their eleven-year-old daughter Pollyanna is coming to live with her. Despite her reluctance, Miss Polly feels it is her duty to take the child in and instructs her maid Nancy to prepare a small attic room for the girl. The chapter reveals Miss Polly's cold, duty-bound nature and her strained memories of her sister's marriage.
Chapter 4
Old Tom and Nancy
Nancy, the maid, prepares a small attic room for Pollyanna's arrival, expressing her indignation at Miss Polly's coldness. She speaks with Old Tom, who reveals that Miss Polly was once beautiful and had a love affair that turned her bitter. Old Tom also identifies Pollyanna as the daughter of Miss Jennie, Miss Polly's deceased sister.
Chapter 5
The Coming of Pollyanna
Pollyanna arrives in Beldingsville and is met at the station by Nancy, the hired girl, instead of her Aunt Polly. During the carriage ride to the Harrington house, Pollyanna's cheerful and talkative nature emerges, and she explains her red gingham dress and her father's recent death. Nancy is moved by Pollyanna's optimism and resolves to stay and support her.
Chapter 6
The Little Attic Room
Pollyanna meets her stern Aunt Polly, who immediately imposes strict rules and assigns her to a sparse attic room. Despite the disappointment, Pollyanna finds joy in the view from the window and explores outside, climbing a tree and heading toward a nearby rock. She returns late for supper and is punished with bread and milk in the kitchen, causing Nancy to worry when she finds the room empty.
Chapter 7
The Game
Pollyanna explains the 'Glad Game' to Nancy, a game her father taught her about finding something to be glad about in every situation. Nancy is initially skeptical but agrees to play along. Pollyanna also tries to include Aunt Polly in the game, but is sent to bed early. Later, Pollyanna sneaks out of her attic room via a tree, and Nancy finds her. They share bread and milk in the kitchen, and Pollyanna teaches Nancy the game more fully.
Chapter 8
A Question of Duty
Pollyanna awakens on her first full day in Beldingsville and enthusiastically greets her aunt in the garden, where she meets Old Tom, who knew her mother. Aunt Polly, focused on duty, outlines a strict schedule of lessons, sewing, and cooking, leaving Pollyanna little time for the outdoor exploration she calls 'living.' Pollyanna struggles to find something to be glad about in the endless round of duty.
Chapter 9
Pollyanna and Punishments
Pollyanna goes shopping for a new wardrobe with Aunt Polly, then spends the evening talking with Old Tom and Nancy. Later, unable to sleep in her hot attic room, she climbs out onto the sun-parlor roof to sleep in the cool night air, using winter clothing bags as bedding. Aunt Polly, discovering her, is shocked but ultimately brings Pollyanna to sleep in her own bed, once again finding her punishment interpreted as a reward.
Chapter 10
Pollyanna Pays a Visit
Pollyanna's daily routine at the Harrington homestead settles into a pattern, with afternoons free for exploration. She befriends a mysterious, solitary man on her walks and visits the cantankerous Mrs. Snow, bringing calf's-foot jelly. Pollyanna's cheerful persistence and the Glad Game begin to soften Mrs. Snow's demeanor, leading to small changes like raising the curtain and wearing a pink ribbon.
Chapter 11
Which Tells of the Man
Pollyanna persists in greeting the reclusive John Pendleton, who initially rebuffs her but eventually softens and speaks to her. Nancy reveals that Pendleton is a wealthy, mysterious man who lives alone and speaks to no one, yet Pollyanna interprets his behavior through her optimistic lens, believing he is saving money for missionary work.
Chapter 12
X: A Surprise for Mrs. Snow
Pollyanna is moved to a better room after Aunt Polly overhears her wistful comments about wanting pretty things. Later, Pollyanna visits Mrs. Snow with a basket of carefully chosen foods, cheerfully lifting the shade and applying the Glad Game to the invalid's complaints about a neighbor's piano practicing.
Chapter 13
XI: Introducing Jimmy
Pollyanna meets a homeless boy named Jimmy Bean by the roadside and, sympathizing with his desire for a home, brings him to Aunt Polly, expecting her to take him in as she did the stray animals. Aunt Polly, overwhelmed by Pollyanna's presumption and the boy's dirty appearance, rejects him harshly, leading Jimmy to leave indignantly. Pollyanna chases after him to apologize, while the chapter also recounts how Pollyanna previously brought home a stray kitten and a dog, both of which Aunt Polly reluctantly accepted.
Chapter 14
Before the Ladies' Aid
Pollyanna attempts to discuss the Glad Game at a silent dinner with Aunt Polly, who eventually allows her to speak. Later, Pollyanna attends the Ladies' Aid meeting alone to plead for Jimmy Bean to be taken in by a local family, but the women prioritize their missionary donations over helping a local boy, leaving Pollyanna disappointed.
Chapter 15
In Pendleton Woods
Pollyanna, seeking solace after a disappointing day, walks through Pendleton Woods. She encounters John Pendleton's dog, who leads her to the injured man lying at the foot of a ledge with a broken leg. Following his instructions, she enters his mysterious house to telephone Dr. Chilton, then returns to comfort him until help arrives.
Chapter 16
Just a Matter of Jelly
Pollyanna is late for supper after John Pendleton's accident but escapes reproof because Aunt Polly has gone to Boston for a cousin's funeral. She meets Jimmy Bean and promises to write to the Ladies' Aid about adopting him. Later, she asks Aunt Polly for permission to give Mrs. Snow's calf's-foot jelly to Mr. Pendleton instead. After learning it is John Pendleton, Aunt Polly initially refuses but eventually allows Pollyanna to give the jelly as her own gift, provided he does not think it came from Aunt Polly.
Chapter 17
Dr. Chilton
Pollyanna visits John Pendleton, delivers jelly, and discusses the glad game with him. She later rides home with Dr. Chilton, sharing her philosophy that being a doctor is the 'gladdest' profession because it helps suffering. The doctor is deeply moved. Back home, Pollyanna recounts her ride to Nancy and has a tense conversation with Aunt Polly about how she handled the jelly delivery.
Chapter 18
A Red Rose and a Lace Shawl
Pollyanna, upon seeing her aunt return from a Ladies' Aid meeting with her hair naturally curled, enthusiastically persuades Miss Polly to let her style her hair and dress her in a lace shawl and a red rose. Miss Polly initially resists but is momentarily captivated by her own transformed appearance. However, when Dr. Chilton arrives and sees her, she flees in embarrassment and later scolds Pollyanna. Dr. Chilton then takes Pollyanna to visit John Pendleton, and during the ride he admits he thought Miss Polly looked lovely, but asks Pollyanna not to tell her.
Chapter 19
Just Like a Book
Pollyanna visits John Pendleton, who shows her his collection of curios and asks her to visit him regularly. Nancy later pieces together that John Pendleton and Aunt Polly were once lovers, adding a romantic mystery to the story.
Chapter 20
Prisms
Pollyanna continues her visits to John Pendleton, who remains irritable and unhappy despite her presence. She observes the tension between him and her Aunt Polly, and also notes her aunt's hostility toward Dr. Chilton. One morning, Pollyanna is captivated by a rainbow cast by a thermometer in Pendleton's room. He has his maid bring a candlestick with prism pendants, which Pollyanna hangs in the window, filling the room with dancing colors. This leads her to finally tell him about the glad game, and he calls her the finest prism of all.
Chapter 21
XIX: Which Is Somewhat Surprising
Pollyanna starts school in September and excels, but still visits her old friends. John Pendleton, feeling neglected, asks Pollyanna to come live with him, revealing his long-ago love for someone. Pollyanna misunderstands, thinking he means Aunt Polly, and promises to keep his proposal secret. The chapter ends with Dr. Chilton's arrival and Pendleton's agitated reaction.
Chapter 22
XX: Which Is More Surprising
John Pendleton reveals to Pollyanna that he loved her mother, not Aunt Polly, and asks Pollyanna to come live with him. Pollyanna, torn between her loyalty to Aunt Polly and her affection for Mr. Pendleton, agrees to ask her aunt. Later, Dr. Chilton drives Pollyanna home from Sunday school, and she mistakenly tells him that Mr. Pendleton and Aunt Polly were once lovers. That afternoon, Mr. Pendleton corrects her misunderstanding, leaving Pollyanna disappointed that the situation is not the romantic reconciliation she had imagined.
Chapter 23
A Question Answered
Pollyanna visits John Pendleton to tell him she cannot leave Aunt Polly, but suggests he take in Jimmy Bean as a 'child's presence' to cure his loneliness. After initial resistance and a misunderstanding about a 'skeleton in the closet,' Pendleton agrees to meet Jimmy. Later, Nancy reassures Pollyanna that Aunt Polly truly wants her, confirming Pollyanna's decision to stay.
Chapter 24
XXII: Sermons and Woodboxes
The Rev. Paul Ford, overwhelmed by parish conflicts, retreats to the woods seeking solace. Pollyanna finds him and shares the story of her father and the 'rejoicing texts,' which inspires Ford to abandon his planned sermon of denunciation in favor of a message of encouragement and hope.
Chapter 25
An Accident
Pollyanna visits Dr. Chilton's office to get a medicine name for Mrs. Snow, leading to a conversation about home and love. Later, she is struck by a motor car and seriously injured, causing Aunt Polly and Nancy great distress. Pollyanna wakes up unable to move her legs, and a nurse is called to care for her.
Chapter 26
John Pendleton
Pollyanna regains full consciousness after a week of fever and learns she is hurt, not sick. She finds gladness in her condition, comparing it favorably to lifelong invalidism. Aunt Polly is deeply moved by Pollyanna's gratitude and affection. John Pendleton visits Miss Polly to inquire about Pollyanna's condition, revealing his past offer to adopt her and her refusal because she wanted to stay with her aunt. The visit begins to mend the long-standing rift between them.
Chapter 27
A Door Ajar
Dr. Mead, the specialist, arrives to examine Pollyanna. During a conversation in the hall, Pollyanna overhears Aunt Polly's anguished exclamation that she may never walk again. The revelation shatters Pollyanna's hope and her faith in the Glad Game, as she struggles to imagine how she can be glad about anything if she cannot walk.
Chapter 28
Two Visits
Miss Polly sends Nancy to inform John Pendleton of Dr. Mead's verdict that Pollyanna will never walk again. Pendleton is deeply moved and later visits to deliver a message: he has decided to adopt Jimmy Bean, hoping to bring Pollyanna gladness. Meanwhile, the town learns of Pollyanna's condition and rallies with visits and messages, though Pollyanna struggles to find anything to be glad about in her own situation.
Chapter 29
XXVIII: The Game and Its Players
Pollyanna learns that the entire town has embraced the Glad Game because of her influence, and she finds a new reason to be glad despite her injury. Visitors like Milly Snow and Mrs. Benton bring messages of gratitude, and Nancy finally explains the game's origin to Aunt Polly, revealing how Pollyanna's father taught her to find something to be glad about in every situation.
Chapter 30
Through an Open Window
As winter turns to spring, Pollyanna remains bedridden and in pain, but she continues to play the glad game with renewed determination, inspired by Aunt Polly's own newfound optimism. Despite her cheerful front, her condition shows no improvement, and the town fears she will never walk again. Dr. Thomas Chilton, desperate to examine Pollyanna because he believes he can help her walk, visits John Pendleton to discuss the impasse caused by his long-standing rift with Aunt Polly. Their conversation is overheard by Jimmy Bean, who resolves to intervene.
Chapter 31
Jimmy Takes the Helm
Jimmy Bean bravely confronts Miss Polly to reveal that Dr. Chilton knows a specialist who might help Pollyanna walk again, but pride and misunderstanding have kept him away. Moved by Jimmy's plea, Miss Polly overcomes her reluctance and asks Dr. Warren to call Dr. Chilton in consultation.
Chapter 32
A New Uncle
Dr. Chilton visits Pollyanna, leading to a reconciliation with Aunt Polly, who announces she will marry Dr. Chilton and that Pollyanna will be taken to a specialist for her legs.
Chapter 33
Which Is a Letter from Pollyanna
Pollyanna writes a joyful letter to Aunt Polly and Uncle Tom, announcing that she has taken her first steps after nearly ten months in the hospital. She describes the emotional reactions of doctors, nurses, and other patients, and expresses gratitude for Aunt Polly's wedding held by her bedside. She declares her newfound appreciation for walking and her gladness for everything, including the experience of losing her legs.
