Two Visits explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• The Glad Game

  Pollyanna struggles to find something to be glad about in her own paralysis, despite having taught the game to others; the town's messages attempt to help her rediscover it.

• Suffering and Resilience

  Pollyanna faces the devastating news that she will never walk again, and the chapter explores her initial inability to cope, as well as the community's collective grief and support.

• Transformation Through Connection

  John Pendleton's decision to adopt Jimmy Bean is directly motivated by his connection to Pollyanna, showing how her influence transforms others even in her own suffering.

Characters to notice

• Pollyanna Whittier

  Struggles with the news she will never walk again and cannot play the glad game for herself, though she is overjoyed to hear that John Pendleton has adopted Jimmy Bean.

• Aunt Polly Harrington

  Delivers John Pendleton's message to Pollyanna about adopting Jimmy Bean, and is surprised by the town's outpouring of support for her niece.

• Nancy

  Sent to tell John Pendleton the doctor's verdict; she reports Pollyanna's despair and her inability to play the glad game, and mentions Pollyanna's wish to show Jimmy Bean to Pendleton.

• John Pendleton

  Deeply affected by the news of Pollyanna's condition, he decides to adopt Jimmy Bean and sends a message to Pollyanna hoping to bring her gladness.

• Jimmy Bean

  Referenced as the boy John Pendleton has decided to adopt, fulfilling Pollyanna's wish.

• Dr. Thomas Chilton

  Mentioned in Pollyanna's conversation with Aunt Polly regarding his comment about a woman's hand and heart making a home.

Key passages

• “Pollyanna, I have a message for you from Mr. John Pendleton. He has just been here. He says to tell you he has taken Jimmy Bean for his little boy. He said he thought you'd be glad to know it.”

  Aunt Polly tells Pollyanna that John Pendleton has adopted Jimmy Bean, hoping the news will make her happy.

  This message is intended to bring Pollyanna joy during her despair over her paralysis.

• “She says she can't think of a thing—not a thing about this not walkin' again, ter be glad about.”

  Pollyanna cannot find any reason to be glad about her inability to walk.

  Highlights Pollyanna's crisis of faith in the glad game when faced with her own suffering.

• “He said that he'd give all the world if he did have one woman's hand and heart.”

  Dr. Chilton expressed that he would sacrifice everything to have a woman's love and companionship.

  Pollyanna recounts Dr. Chilton's words to Aunt Polly, hinting at his feelings for her.