A Matter of Adjustment explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Optimism and The Glad Game

  Pollyanna and Jimmy discuss the enduring power of the Glad Game, its practical benefits, and the resistance it sometimes meets.

• Social Class and Inequality

  The chapter explores the Chiltons' adjustment to reduced financial circumstances and the social implications of poverty.

• Personal Growth and Maturity

  Pollyanna reflects on how her understanding of the Glad Game has matured, and Jimmy notes her development from childhood.

Characters to notice

• Pollyanna Whittier

  Struggles with the adjustment to poverty, longs to earn money, and discusses the Glad Game with Jimmy.

• Aunt Polly

  Finds adjustment difficult, avoids neighbors, and broods over their financial loss.

• Jimmy Pendleton

  Visits Pollyanna, discusses her desire to earn money, and engages in a deep conversation about the Glad Game.

• John Pendleton

  Accompanies Jimmy on a stiff and ceremonious call to the Chilton home.

Key passages

• “The first few days at Beldingsville were not easy either for Mrs. Chilton or for Pollyanna. They were days of adjustment; and days of adjustment are seldom easy.”

  Both Pollyanna and Aunt Polly found the initial days back in Beldingsville challenging as they adapted to their new circumstances.

  Highlights the central theme of adjustment to change.

• “I'm getting to be the most mercenary little creature you ever saw. I've got so I measure everything with a dollar bill, and I actually think in quarters and dimes.”

  Pollyanna jokes that she has become obsessed with money, constantly calculating costs in small denominations.

  Shows Pollyanna's practical concern about their financial state.

• “I don't believe I could have lived—the last six months—if it hadn't been for that blessed game.”

  Pollyanna admits that the Glad Game was essential to her survival during the recent difficult months.

  Emphasizes the profound personal importance of the Glad Game.