# XIX: Which Is Somewhat Surprising explained — Pollyanna

> Chapter companion for Pollyanna by Eleanor H. Porter.

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Glad Game

Pollyanna chides John Pendleton for not playing the game correctly, highlighting its central role in her philosophy.

### Transformation Through Connection

John Pendleton reveals his desire for a home made by a woman's hand and heart or a child's presence, showing how relationships can transform a house into a home.

## Character check-ins

### Pollyanna Whittier

Begins school, excels, and continues visiting friends. Misinterprets John Pendleton's proposal as involving Aunt Polly.

### John Pendleton

Feels neglected by Pollyanna's school schedule, asks her to live with him, and reveals his past love. Becomes agitated when Pollyanna misunderstands.

### Aunt Polly Harrington

Referenced as the person Pollyanna believes John Pendleton loved, though not present in the chapter.

### Dr. Thomas Chilton

Arrives at John Pendleton's house at the end of the chapter, finding his patient with a racing pulse.

## Key lines

> I thought you didn't like to have folks 'round

Pollyanna reminds John Pendleton of his previous preference for solitude.

_Shows Pollyanna's awareness of Pendleton's character change._

> It takes a woman's hand and heart, or a child's presence, to make a home, Pollyanna; and I have not had either.

John Pendleton explains that a home requires feminine care or a child's company, which he has lacked.

_Reveals Pendleton's loneliness and desire for family._

> Overdose of your—tonic, I guess

John Pendleton jokingly attributes his racing pulse to the doctor's tonic, but it is actually due to Pollyanna's misunderstanding.

_Highlights Pendleton's agitation and the chapter's comedic tension._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/pollyanna_se/chapters/xix-which-is-somewhat-surprising
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/pollyanna_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/pollyanna_se/chapters