# The Game explained — Pollyanna

> Chapter companion for Pollyanna by Eleanor H. Porter.

## What happens

Pollyanna explains the 'Glad Game' to Nancy, a game her father taught her about finding something to be glad about in every situation. Nancy is initially skeptical but agrees to play along. Pollyanna also tries to include Aunt Polly in the game, but is sent to bed early. Later, Pollyanna sneaks out of her attic room via a tree, and Nancy finds her. They share bread and milk in the kitchen, and Pollyanna teaches Nancy the game more fully.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Glad Game

Pollyanna teaches Nancy the Glad Game, explaining how to find something to be glad about in every situation, even difficult ones like receiving crutches instead of a doll.

### Optimism vs. Pessimism

Pollyanna's relentless optimism contrasts with Nancy's initial skepticism and Aunt Polly's coldness, highlighting the tension between hopefulness and practicality.

## Character check-ins

### Pollyanna Whittier

Explains the Glad Game to Nancy, tries to include Aunt Polly, and sneaks out of her room via a tree.

### Nancy

Listens to Pollyanna's explanation of the Glad Game, agrees to play, and finds Pollyanna after she sneaks out.

### Aunt Polly Harrington

Sends Pollyanna to bed early and is briefly told about the game by Pollyanna.

## Key lines

> Why, we began it on some crutches that came in a missionary barrel.

Pollyanna explains that the Glad Game started when a missionary barrel contained crutches instead of the doll she wanted.

_This is the origin story of the Glad Game, a central concept in the chapter._

> Goosey! Why, just be glad because you don't— need—'em!

Pollyanna reveals the trick to being glad about the crutches: you can be happy because you don't actually need them.

_This illustrates the core logic of the Glad Game._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/pollyanna_se/chapters/v-the-game
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/pollyanna_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/pollyanna_se/chapters