Pollyanna Grows Up · Character

Mrs. Carew

A wealthy, grief-stricken woman who gives money but not herself, until Pollyanna's fretting over a poor boy named Jamie begins to crack her solitude.

major

Also known as Ruth Carew, Ruth, Carew, Mrs. Ruth Carew

First appearance: IV: The Game and Mrs. Carew

As a major figure in Pollyanna Grows Up, Mrs. Carew is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Benefactor and friend, involved in Pollyanna's life.

In the storyPollyanna Grows UpOpen this moment free

Mrs. Carew has walled herself off from society and charity alike since losing Jamie, refusing her nurse sister's pleas to get interested in something outside her own life. She takes in Pollyanna and finds the child's constant mourning over another Jamie unbearable, snapping that the glad game ought to fix it. Yet the very boy she insists is not her sister's son haunts her with panicky doubts, and her reluctant Christmas generosity is the first sign of a heart reawakening.

See Mrs. Carew in Pollyanna Grows Up Book page

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Character Web

10 connections

A slice of how Mrs. Carew sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Friendship
Other

Character groups

Boston Tenement Friends
Beldingsville Household
Medical and Social Helpers
Minor and Background Characters
Protagonist

+5 more in the full Character Web

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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.

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Relationships

Pollyanna Whittier
friendship · positive
Aunt Polly
social · positive
Pollyanna Whittier
friendship · positive
Aunt Polly
social · positive
Aunt Polly
social · positive

Pollyanna Whittier
Mrs. Carew is a wealthy, lonely woman who is deeply touched by Pollyanna's kindness and becomes a benefactor.
Aunt Polly
Aunt Polly and Mrs. Carew are polite acquaintances, moving in the same social circles but not close.
Pollyanna Whittier
Mrs. Carew is a wealthy, lonely woman who is deeply touched by Pollyanna's kindness and becomes a benefactor.
Aunt Polly
Aunt Polly and Mrs. Carew are polite acquaintances, moving in the same social circles but not close.
Aunt Polly
Aunt Polly and Mrs. Carew are polite acquaintances, moving in the same social circles but not close.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Mrs. Carew in IV: The Game and Mrs. Carew

In the story

Mrs. Carew appears across 27 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Pollyanna Grows Up
Benefactor and friend, involved in Pollyanna's life.
Della Speaks Her Mind
Grieving and resistant to change, she initially refuses but eventually agrees to take Pollyanna for the winter.
Some Old Friends
Della Wetherby's sister; described as having a wounded heart and living in gloom and bitterness after losing her nephew.
A Dose of Pollyanna
Initially resentful and exasperated about Pollyanna's arrival; struggles with her own irritation and finds herself unable to send the child away due to Pollyanna's relentless cheerfulness.
IV: The Game and Mrs. Carew
Mrs. Carew is exasperated by Pollyanna's constant gladness but eventually opens up about her lost nephew Jamie, revealing her deep grief and resistance to the Glad Game.
Pollyanna Takes a Walk
Mentioned as having given Pollyanna permission to amuse herself; not physically present in the chapter.
Jerry to the Rescue
Worries when Pollyanna is late; scolds her for wandering alone but is relieved she is safe.
A New Acquaintance
Mrs. Carew accompanies Pollyanna to concerts and museums, and learns about Pollyanna's effect on trolley car passengers from Mary.
Jamie
Mentioned indirectly as the person Pollyanna hopes to reunite with Jamie. Pollyanna plans to bring her to meet Jamie.
Plans and Plottings
Initially reluctant and impatient with Pollyanna's insistence on walking in the Garden; refuses to let Pollyanna go with Jerry; upon hearing that the boy might be Jamie, she immediately agrees to go.
In Murphy's Alley
Accompanies Pollyanna to Murphy's Alley, questions Jamie about his identity, and is deeply affected by the poverty; later orders repairs to her tenements.
A Surprise for Mrs. Carew
Struggles with doubt and despair over Jamie's identity; writes to her sister Della; ultimately offers to take Jamie in, but is rejected.
From Behind a Counter
Angry and frustrated after Jamie's refusal to live with her; tries to distract Pollyanna with Christmas decorations; coldly disapproves of Pollyanna's invitation to the salesgirl.
A Waiting and a Winning
Struggles with pride and heart as she realizes Pollyanna's departure will leave her lonely; finally asks Jamie to stay and begins to understand Sadie Dean's plight.
Jimmy and the Green-Eyed Monster
Mentioned in Pollyanna's account of Boston, particularly regarding her views on charity and socializing.
Aunt Polly Takes Alarm
Shows dramatic improvement: shades up, music playing, roses in the house, and enthusiastic about Jamie's development.
Two Letters
Is described in Della's letter as changed, happy, and tired from overwork; she plans to come to Beldingsville with Jamie and Sadie.
The Paying Guests
Arrives as a paying guest, showing beauty and lack of old bitterness; later feels a strange familiarity with Jimmy Pendleton.
Summer Days
Forms a strong bond with Jimmy Pendleton; includes Sadie Dean as family; serves as chaperon for the camping trip.
Comrades
Expresses her deep love for Jamie and her ongoing anguish about whether he is truly Jamie Kent; credits Pollyanna for beginning her changed outlook on life.
XXIV: Jimmy Wakes Up
Provides comfort and sympathy to Jimmy, and shows knowledge about bridges, becoming his main solace.
The Game and Pollyanna
Leaves Beldingsville with Sadie Dean and Jamie, returning to Boston.
John Pendleton
Frequently discussed by John Pendleton; Pollyanna believes Jimmy is in love with her, causing Pollyanna heartache.
Jimmy and Jamie
Shows pride in Jamie's achievements, becomes unsettled by the suggestion that John Pendleton loves Pollyanna, and leaves the room in distress.
John Pendleton Turns the Key
Revealed as the woman John Pendleton loves, though she is not present in the scene.
After Long Years
Is the aunt of the real Jamie, now revealed to be Jimmy.
A New Aladdin
Accepts Jimmy as her nephew and becomes engaged to John Pendleton.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Mrs. Carew unlock in the free preview.

See Mrs. Carew in IV: The Game and Mrs. Carew

See Mrs. Carew in Pollyanna Grows Up