Pollyanna · Chapter
Just a Matter of Jelly explained
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.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
The Glad Game
Pollyanna questions whether the game can apply to funerals, but Nancy playfully suggests being glad it's not theirs. Pollyanna also applies the game to helping Jimmy and Mr. Pendleton.
Social Class and Judgment
Aunt Polly's reluctance to send jelly to John Pendleton reflects social boundaries and personal judgments, while Pollyanna's innocent request challenges these barriers.
Characters to notice
- Pollyanna Whittier
Late for supper after the accident; meets Jimmy Bean and promises to write to the Ladies' Aid; asks Aunt Polly to give jelly to Mr. Pendleton.
- Nancy
Meets Pollyanna at the door, relieved she is safe; explains Aunt Polly's sudden departure; listens to the accident story.
- Aunt Polly Harrington
Has gone to Boston for a cousin's funeral; returns later and initially refuses then allows Pollyanna to give jelly to John Pendleton as her own gift.
- Jimmy Bean
Meets Pollyanna as agreed; disappointed the Ladies' Aid prefers an India boy; agrees to wait while Pollyanna writes to them.
- John Pendleton
Has a broken leg from the accident; Pollyanna wants to bring him jelly; Aunt Polly has a complicated reaction to his name.
Key passages
“Well, if I ain't glad ter be settin' my two eyes on you”
Nancy expresses relief at seeing Pollyanna safe and sound.
Nancy's dialect reflects her rural background and her affection for Pollyanna.
“I can't help it, Nancy. It must be that there are some things that 'tisn't right to play the game on—and I'm sure funerals is one of them. There's nothing in a funeral to be glad about.”
Pollyanna struggles with applying the Glad Game to funerals, feeling it is inappropriate.
Shows Pollyanna's moral sensitivity and the limits she places on her own philosophy.
“I know, he is cross—outside, so I suppose you don't like him. But I wouldn't say 'twas you sent it. I'd say 'twas me. I like him. I'd be glad to send him jelly.”
Pollyanna acknowledges Mr. Pendleton's gruff exterior but insists on her own fondness for him and offers to take responsibility for the gift.
Demonstrates Pollyanna's ability to see beyond surface behavior and her generous spirit.