# A Question Answered explained — Pollyanna

> Chapter companion for Pollyanna by Eleanor H. Porter.

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Family and Belonging

Pollyanna chooses to stay with Aunt Polly, affirming her sense of belonging, while also seeking a home for Jimmy Bean.

### Transformation Through Connection

Pollyanna's influence softens Aunt Polly and opens John Pendleton to the idea of taking in Jimmy Bean.

## Character check-ins

### Pollyanna Whittier

Decides to stay with Aunt Polly and proposes Jimmy Bean as a companion for John Pendleton.

### John Pendleton

Initially hurt by Pollyanna's refusal to live with him, but eventually agrees to meet Jimmy Bean.

### Nancy

Reassures Pollyanna that Aunt Polly cares for her deeply, citing the umbrella-sending as evidence.

### Jimmy Bean

Mentioned as the boy Pollyanna hopes John Pendleton will take in.

### Aunt Polly Harrington

Shows concern for Pollyanna by sending Nancy with an umbrella; Pollyanna realizes her aunt wants her to stay.

## Key lines

> Oh, but you don't know about the rest of it. There's the very gladdest thing you can do—truly there is!

Pollyanna insists there is a wonderful solution for John Pendleton's loneliness.

_Pollyanna proposes Jimmy Bean as a companion for Pendleton._

> Maybe you think a nice live little boy wouldn't be better than that old dead skeleton you keep somewhere; but I think it would!

Pollyanna suggests a living child is preferable to Pendleton's hidden sorrow.

_Pollyanna refers to Nancy's comment about a skeleton in Pendleton's closet, leading to a laugh and a softened attitude._

> As if I'd leave her now!

Pollyanna affirms her decision to stay with Aunt Polly.

_After Nancy's reassurance, Pollyanna feels certain of her place with her aunt._

## Links

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