Pollyanna · Chapter
Miss Polly explained
Miss Polly Harrington, a stern and wealthy woman, receives a letter informing her of the death of her sister Jennie's husband, the Rev.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Duty and Obligation
Miss Polly repeatedly states that she knows her duty and will perform it, taking in Pollyanna not out of love but from a sense of moral obligation.
Family and Belonging
The chapter explores the fractured family ties between Miss Polly and her deceased sister Jennie, and the reluctant acceptance of Pollyanna into the household.
Social Class and Judgment
Miss Polly's disdain for her sister's marriage to a poor minister and her haughty treatment of Nancy highlight class distinctions and social judgment.
Characters to notice
- Miss Polly Harrington
Miss Polly is introduced as a stern, hurried woman who prides herself on her repose of manner. She receives the news of her niece Pollyanna's arrival with cold duty rather than warmth, and instructs Nancy to prepare an attic room.
- Nancy
Nancy is the maid working in Miss Polly's kitchen. She is cheerful and sympathetic, hoping the little girl might brighten things up, but is quickly rebuked by her mistress.
- Pollyanna Whittier
Pollyanna is the orphaned niece of Miss Polly, aged eleven, who is about to arrive from the West to live with her aunt. She is mentioned only through the letter and Miss Polly's thoughts.
- Jennie
Jennie was Miss Polly's sister and Pollyanna's mother, who married a poor minister against her family's wishes and died years ago in the West.
Key passages
“Miss Polly Harrington entered her kitchen a little hurriedly this June morning. Miss Polly did not usually make hurried movements; she specially prided herself on her repose of manner. But today she was hurrying—actually hurrying.”
Miss Polly, usually calm and deliberate, rushed into her kitchen, showing her agitation.
Establishes Miss Polly's normally composed demeanor and her current unusual haste.
“Nancy, washing dishes at the sink, looked up in surprise. Nancy had been working in Miss Polly’s kitchen only two months, but already she knew that her mistress did not usually hurry.”
Nancy, the new maid, was startled to see her mistress in a hurry.
Highlights Nancy's observation of Miss Polly's character.
“I am a good woman, I hope; and I know my duty.”
Miss Polly believes she is virtuous and understands her responsibilities.
Key theme of duty and obligation.
“Pollyanna !—what a ridiculous name!”
Miss Polly finds the name Pollyanna absurd.
Shows Miss Polly's disdain and sets up the contrast with Pollyanna's cheerful nature.