Pollyanna · Chapter
A Question Answered explained
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.
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.
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 Rising action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This is the story's dramatic climax because Jimmy directly confronts Miss Polly with the revelation that her p…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes 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.
Characters to notice
- 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 passages
“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.
