The story in one page
When her father dies, Pollyanna moves to Beldingsville to live with her wealthy, rigid Aunt Polly. The girl immediately starts preaching 'the Game,' a psychological exercise of finding something to be happy about in every disaster. While Aunt Polly views this as a nuisance, the rest of the town falls for it. Pollyanna fixes the local misanthropes, finds husbands for the lonely, and softens the town’s collective grumpiness. Just as she transforms the social landscape, she is struck by a car and loses the use of her legs. After a year of treatment, she recovers, finally walking again while celebrating her own recovery.
Who's who
- Pollyanna
Orphan who forces everyone to find silver linings in misery.
- Miss Polly Harrington
Wealthy aunt who prioritizes strict household order over affection.
- John Pendleton
Reclusive, wealthy neighbor who dislikes the outside world.
- Nancy
Kitchen maid who acts as Pollyanna’s first sounding board.
What it's really about
- The Game
- Finding a reason to rejoice in any situation.
- Social reform
- Changing a town by changing individual perspectives.
Why it's memorable
- Pollyanna sleeping on a sealskin coat on the porch roof.
- The discovery of eight hundred Bible verses about rejoicing.
The ending, explained
Spoilers — show the ending
Pollyanna recovers at a specialized hospital, eventually walking again and writing a jubilant letter home about her steps.
For your book club
- Can toxic positivity actually be a weapon?
- Why does a broken leg serve as the ultimate narrative test?