Pollyanna Grows Up · Chapter
Jerry to the Rescue explained
Pollyanna gets lost while exploring Boston, but is helped by a friendly newsboy named Jerry who guides her back to Commonwealth Avenue and Mrs.
What happens
Pollyanna gets lost while exploring Boston, but is helped by a friendly newsboy named Jerry who guides her back to Commonwealth Avenue and Mrs. Carew's home. She receives a scolding for wandering alone, yet remains glad she was found.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
In this passage, the emotional peak occurs as Jimmy Pendleton fully confronts his agonizing belief that Pollya…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Optimism and The Glad Game
Pollyanna tries to be glad she is lost because it will be nice when she is found.
- Personal Growth and Maturity
Pollyanna learns the dangers of wandering alone in an unfamiliar city and promises not to do it again.
Characters to notice
- Pollyanna Whittier
Gets lost while following a hurdy-gurdy, tries to stay glad despite fear, and is rescued by Jerry.
- Mrs. Carew
Worries when Pollyanna is late; scolds her for wandering alone but is relieved she is safe.
- Jerry Murphy
The newsboy who finds Pollyanna crying, deduces she lives on Commonwealth Avenue, and leads her home.
Key passages
“Well, anyhow, I'm going to be glad I'm lost, 'cause it'll be so nice when I get found.”
Pollyanna decides to find a silver lining in being lost by anticipating the joy of being found.
Illustrates Pollyanna's characteristic optimism even in distress.
“The thing I'm the very sorriest for of anything is that I didn't ask that boy his name nor where he lived. Now I can't ever say thank you to him!”
Pollyanna regrets not learning the newsboy's name so she could thank him properly.
Shows Pollyanna's gratitude and thoughtfulness.
