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Cover of Polly in New York

Polly in New York

Written by Lillian Elizabeth Roy

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New York (N.Y.)Adventure and adventurersSchoolsBest friendsAbandoned childrenShoppingSocial adjustment

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About this book

"Polly in New York" by Lillian Elizabeth Roy is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. This story follows the adventures of Polly Brewster, a young girl who has left her rural Colorado home for the bustling city life in New York. The narrative captures her impressions as she navigates this new urban environment, with her friends Eleanor and Anne, and introduces themes of adaptation and friendship. The opening of the novel sets the stage for Polly's first journey away from home, expressing her awe and trepidation as she travels by train, observes the busy streets of Chicago, and finally arrives in New York City. Polly's personality emerges as curious and outspoken, providing humorous observations about the city and its inhabitants, particularly as she attempts to adjust her expectations to the realities of urban life. The beginning depicts her excitement mixed with candid critiques of city life, setting a rich backdrop for her adventures to come in the big city.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Polly in New York, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • uplifting
  • humorous
  • charming

Lillian Elizabeth Roy's "Polly in New York" chronicles the adventures of Polly Brewster, a spirited young girl from rural Colorado, as she experiences the vibrant, overwhelming life of early 20th-century New York City for the first time. The narrative opens with her journey by train, capturing her initial awe and trepidation as she observes bustling Chicago and finally arrives in the metropolis. Accompanied by her new friends, Eleanor and Anne, Polly navigates the urban landscape, offering humorous and candid observations that highlight her curious and outspoken personality. The novel explores themes of adaptation, friendship, and the contrast between rural innocence and urban sophistication, as Polly adjusts her expectations to the realities of big-city life, setting the stage for charming adventures.

“"New York! It's like a thousand little towns all decided to hold hands and make one giant, noisy embrace!" - Polly Brewster”

Key themes

Adaptation and Culture Shock
This theme explores Polly's journey from a quiet rural life to the overwhelming sensory experience of New York City. It delves into her initial awe, trepidation, and the humorous challenges she faces in adjusting her expectations and behaviors to a radically different environment.
Rural Innocence vs. Urban Sophistication
This theme contrasts Polly's simple, presumably wholesome rural upbringing with the perceived sophistication, fast pace, and diverse (sometimes bewildering) nature of city life. It highlights the clash of values and perspectives between these two distinct worlds.
Friendship and Belonging
The theme emphasizes the crucial role of friendship in helping Polly navigate her new environment. Eleanor and Anne provide companionship, guidance, and a sense of belonging in a potentially alienating city, illustrating how human connections ease transitions and foster acceptance.

Worth discussing

How does Polly's rural background influence her perceptions and reactions to New York City?

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