Pollyanna Grows Up · Chapter
The Game and Pollyanna explained
Pollyanna reflects on the impact of the glad game after Mrs.
What happens
Pollyanna reflects on the impact of the glad game after Mrs. Snow tells her how it has transformed lives in Beldingsville and beyond. She struggles with her own ability to play the game, especially concerning Aunt Polly. After the Carews leave, Pollyanna misses Jimmy Pendleton, who becomes distant and moody. To help with the family's financial worries, she decides to enter a prize-story contest, hoping to win money to surprise Aunt Polly.
Themes in this chapter
Optimism and The Glad Game
The glad game's widespread impact is highlighted through Mrs. Snow's stories, yet Pollyanna struggles to apply it to her own life, showing the challenge of maintaining optimism.
Personal Growth and Maturity
Pollyanna confronts her feelings for Jimmy and her own shortcomings in playing the game, indicating her emotional growth.
Family and Belonging
Pollyanna's concern for Aunt Polly's financial worries and her desire to help reflect her deep sense of family responsibility.
Characters to notice
- Pollyanna Whittier
Struggles to play her own glad game, feels guilty about Aunt Polly, and decides to enter a story contest to earn money.
- Mrs. Snow
Shares how the glad game improved her health and inspired others, encouraging Pollyanna to keep playing.
- Aunt Polly
Worries about finances after the Carews leave; Pollyanna hopes to surprise her with contest winnings.
- Jimmy Pendleton
Becomes moody and distant after the Carews leave, then goes to Boston, leaving Pollyanna confused about her feelings.
- Mrs. Carew
Leaves Beldingsville with Sadie Dean and Jamie, returning to Boston.
- Sadie Dean
Departs with the Carews for Boston.
Key passages
“She says Mrs. Payson told her all about you, and how your glad game actually saved them from a divorce. And now not only do they play it themselves, but they’ve got quite a lot of others playing it down there, and they’re getting still others.”
Mrs. Snow reports that the glad game prevented a divorce for the Paysons and has spread to many others in Massachusetts.
Illustrates the far-reaching influence of Pollyanna's game.
“Pollyanna rose to her feet. She smiled, but her eyes glistened with tears, as she held out her hand in goodbye. “Thank you, Mrs. Snow,” she said unsteadily. “It is hard—sometimes; and maybe I did need a little help about my own game.””
Pollyanna, emotional, thanks Mrs. Snow for reminding her that even she needs encouragement to play the glad game.
Shows Pollyanna's vulnerability and self-awareness.
““Well, Pollyanna Whittier,” she upbraided herself sharply, “one would think you were in love with Jimmy Bean Pendleton! Can’t you think of anything but him?””
Pollyanna scolds herself for constantly thinking about Jimmy, suspecting she might be in love.
Reveals Pollyanna's growing romantic feelings.
““The very thing!” cried Pollyanna, clapping her hands. “I’m so glad I saw it! And it says I can do it, too. I thought I could, if I’d just try. I’ll go tell auntie, so she needn’t worry any more.””
Pollyanna excitedly decides to enter a story contest to ease Aunt Polly's financial worries.
Demonstrates Pollyanna's proactive and optimistic approach to solving problems.
