Pie

Ironically, one of the most important characters in the novel dies on the first page. However, even after her death, Polly remains a catalytic presence in the lives of every individual in Pie because of the manner in which each continues to react to her memory. While it may appear that Polly’s unusual decisions or the unequaled quality of her pies inspire the reactions of others, Weeks intends her readers to grasp that Polly’s compassion—her love for all those with whom she interacts—is her true power and driving force. The author hints at Polly’s benevolence throughout the narrative, though for most of the story, it appears that her eccentricity—as when she bequeaths her piecrust recipe to Lardo—overwhelms her generosity. It is in the third section of the novel that Polly’s full intentions and compassionate actions unfold, revealing The Profound Impact of Goodness.

At various critical points throughout, Weeks expresses Polly’s insights. For instance, she contradicts the common conception of wealth, implying that she is fabulously wealthy in ways that truly matter. Because she understands the importance of her piecrust recipe to the village itself, Polly chooses to keep the recipe secret when selling it would make her wealthy but diminish the financial well-being of Ipswitch. Judiciously, she makes a plan for the inevitable day when she will not be present to continue making pies.

More than with any other person, Polly shares her compassionate wisdom with young Alice. Presaging the conflicts Alice will face in Polly’s absence, she quotes Henry David Thoreau’s dictum that things do not change, people change. Alice, who grieves Polly’s absence and also the reactions of some Ipswitch residents to her death, begins to grasp the reach of Polly’s love and the seeds of growth her love planted in Chapter 11 when she accompanies Charley in delivering groceries to many village households. Many residents surprise Alice by greeting her warmly and expressing affection toward her. As their conversations turn toward baking pies, Alice begins to understand that not everyone is making pies to become the next Blueberry winner. Some bake because it reminds them of Polly. Others want to share Polly’s gift of baking with their loved ones. Alice finds inspiration in this exposure to the genuine affection citizens hold for Polly.

An underlying conflict in the narrative is the internal struggle Alice faces in that the two most important women in her life—her mother and her aunt—are polar opposites in their perspectives. Once Polly leaves the scene, Alice has no protection from the scathing, bitter jealousy and disappointment Ruth feels toward Polly. For a moment, Alice seems to give into the same negativity, only to have Charlie point out to her that Polly never spoke to anyone as Alice just spoke to him. Sitting on her steps, 10-year-old Alice chooses to embrace her aunt’s example of goodness, and she begins moving in the direction of love by expressing her regret to Charlie. In Charlie, Alice experiences The Value of a Supportive Friend because he not only helps her solve the mystery but also helps her see her actions in a way that makes her better. These early experiences between Alice and Charlie result in a lifelong friendship, and later, Charlie’s children regard Alice as an aunt.

Chapter 11 offers a breakthrough for Alice beyond the exposure she receives delivering groceries and witnessing the scope and varieties of goodness Polly planted in residents. As Alice’s plan unfolds and she exposes the concealed thief, her parents and the police respond to her with the appreciation she deserves. The event transports her mother to a new emotional place in which she confesses that Alice is her true treasure. Ruth asks, “Can you ever forgive me? [...] I’ve been such a fool. I wasted so much time envying Polly’s gift, I somehow lost sight of the greatest gift I’ve ever been given—you” (157). Ruth remains with Alice through the night, and the tenderness of the mother-daughter relationship is renewed.

Once this awakening happens for Ruth, the stage is set for the unveiling of Polly’s compassionate provision for those she most loved. The arrival of Mr. Hammerschlacht reveals Polly’s intention for a long-term financial and artistic boost for her sister and niece. Polly places Alice and Ruth in a position where they must employ their own gifts and, in doing so, secure their economic future.

In the final analysis, for Polly, the pies she continually provided were actually symbols. Each pie represented affection that she wanted to extend to others. She expresses this to Alice when she says that the most important ingredient in any pie is the love that goes into it. Polly’s unbelievably delectable pies are symbols of the love she imparts to everyone who will receive them. As expressions of love, her pies are uniquely intended for different individuals. As her recipe notes indicate, she makes them to taste. Polly gives them without thought of return payment. As with genuine love, the pies Polly bestows often result in love returned in the form of produce, fine ingredients, and affection. Her pies result in lasting memories and, as Alice learns, changed lives. Weeks implies that the finest result of Polly’s love is Alice, who embodies Polly’s goodness, seeking to impart it to a new generation that loves her as she loved Polly.