Pollyanna

Published in 1913, Pollyanna, a children’s book by American author Eleanor Hodgman Porter, became an instant success. The book’s popularity even added a new word to the English language dictionary: “Pollyanna,” which describes someone with an excessively optimistic outlook.
In 1915, Porter published a sequel, Pollyanna Grows Up, which also enjoyed great success. Both books remain beloved classics of American children’s literature, cherished for their heartwarming stories and inspiring messages of optimism.

Recommended for:

Readers seeking an uplifting and heartwarming story
Fans of classic literature and coming-of-age tales
Individuals looking for a positive and optimistic perspective on life

You will:

Follow the journey of Pollyanna, a young girl who brings joy and positivity to those around her
Experience the transformative power of optimism and gratitude
Explore themes of resilience, kindness, and finding beauty in everyday life
Witness the impact of Pollyanna’s infectious optimism on the people she encounters
Be inspired to embrace a more positive outlook and appreciate life’s blessings

Plot Summary

The story begins when Polly Harrington receives a letter informing her that her niece was an orphan. And that she is the only relative the girl has. Polly Harrington is a stubborn and cold woman, the idea of raising a girl seems very difficult. Although, she accepts to receive her niece because she feels it’s her duty to her sister. The story takes place in the fictional town of Beldingsville, Vermont.

Polly makes life difficult for her cheerful niece. Despite, the girl is still adorable and tries to find something good in every situation. Pollyanna has a very optimistic life view, something her father taught her. She calls the idea of seeing the good everywhere “The Glad Game.”

Over time, Pollyanna’s attitude begins to transform her aunt’s reaction. And even several bitter residents of their city also change thanks to the joy of Pollyanna. This attitude makes everyone happier, and the town becomes an excellent place to live.

Unfortunately, one day Pollyanna suffers an accident. A car hits her and makes her lose the mobility of her legs. As a result, she cannot walk again, affecting her life’s point of view. During this crisis, the people of the town decide to support Pollyanna and help her to overcome it. They show her how her positive personality influenced their lives.

Finally, Pollyanna realizes that she must be happy to be alive and not have lost her legs in the accident. Finally, Pollyanna walks again after doing a treatment in a clinic. And Pollyanna’s aunt married her childhood boyfriend, Dr. Chilton.

Theme and Analysis

The novel “Pollyanna” by Eleanor H. Porter explores several significant themes and offers thought-provoking insights, including:

Optimism and Gratitude: “Pollyanna” explores the central theme of optimism and gratitude. The protagonist, Pollyanna, teaches us the power of finding joy in even the most challenging circumstances and cultivating gratitude for life’s blessings. The novel emphasizes the transformative impact of maintaining a positive outlook on one’s well-being and relationships.
Resilience and Perseverance: Another significant theme in “Pollyanna” is resilience and perseverance. Pollyanna faces various hardships and setbacks throughout the story but remains determined and resilient in her pursuit of spreading happiness. The novel portrays the strength of character that arises from facing adversity with unwavering determination.
The Power of Perspective: The book delves into the idea that one’s perspective shapes their reality. Pollyanna’s “Glad Game,” where she finds something to be glad about in every situation, demonstrates the power of choosing to see the positive side of things. The novel prompts readers to reflect on their own outlook and how it influences their experiences.
The Impact of Kindness: “Pollyanna” highlights the transformative effect of kindness and compassion. Through Pollyanna’s interactions with others, the novel emphasizes the profound impact simple acts of kindness can have on individuals and communities. It serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy and reaching out to others.
Emotional Authenticity: The book explores the complexity of human emotions and the significance of embracing a full range of feelings. It delves into the idea that true happiness does not come from suppressing negative emotions but rather from allowing oneself to experience and process them authentically.

These themes enrich the story of “Pollyanna” and provide readers with valuable reflections on life, resilience, and the power of a positive mindset.

Licensing

Porter, Eleanor H. Pollyanna. Publisher: L.C. Page & Company, New York. First published in 1913. This work was published before January 1, 1929, and is in the public domain worldwide because the author died at least 100 years ago. Text from Wikisource: https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Pollyanna
This digital edition is provided by Ebooks-net in 2024 under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0) license. The full text of the license is available at https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.