# Just Like a Book explained — Pollyanna

> Chapter companion for Pollyanna by Eleanor H. Porter.

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Pride and Reconciliation

The chapter reveals the long-standing rift between Aunt Polly and John Pendleton, rooted in pride and unresolved feelings, setting the stage for potential reconciliation.

### Transformation Through Connection

John Pendleton's decision to invite Pollyanna back shows how her presence is beginning to soften his isolation and change his outlook.

## Character check-ins

### Pollyanna Whittier

Visits John Pendleton, hears his stories about his curios, and learns about the possible past romance between him and Aunt Polly.

### John Pendleton

Greets Pollyanna warmly, shows her his carved box of treasures, and admits he initially wanted to avoid her because she reminded him of something he wished to forget.

### Nancy

Listens to Pollyanna's account of the visit and excitedly deduces that John Pendleton was Aunt Polly's former lover.

### Aunt Polly Harrington

Mentioned as the object of John Pendleton's past affection and as the one who refused to send him jelly.

## Key lines

> I thought, at first, after I found out who you were, the other day, that I didn't want you to come any more. You reminded me of—of something I have tried for long years to forget.

John Pendleton admits that when he learned Pollyanna was Aunt Polly's niece, he wanted to avoid her because she brought back painful memories.

_This confession hints at the unresolved romantic history between John Pendleton and Aunt Polly._

> Then I've got it, sure! Now listen. Mr. John Pendleton was Miss Polly Harrington's lover!

Nancy excitedly concludes that John Pendleton and Aunt Polly were once in love.

_Nancy's deduction frames the mystery in a dramatic, book-like manner, emphasizing the romantic subplot._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/pollyanna_se/chapters/xvii-just-like-a-book
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/pollyanna_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/pollyanna_se/chapters