Pollyanna · Chapter
Before the Ladies' Aid explained
Pollyanna attempts to discuss the Glad Game at a silent dinner with Aunt Polly, who eventually allows her to speak.
What happens
Pollyanna attempts to discuss the Glad Game at a silent dinner with Aunt Polly, who eventually allows her to speak. Later, Pollyanna attends the Ladies' Aid meeting alone to plead for Jimmy Bean to be taken in by a local family, but the women prioritize their missionary donations over helping a local boy, leaving Pollyanna disappointed.
Themes in this chapter
Optimism vs. Pessimism
Pollyanna's persistent optimism in the Glad Game clashes with Aunt Polly's weary silence and the Ladies' Aid's cold practicality.
Social Class and Judgment
The Ladies' Aid dismisses Jimmy Bean as unworthy of local support, prioritizing prestige from foreign mission donations over helping a poor local boy.
Characters to notice
- Pollyanna Whittier
Pollyanna tries to play the Glad Game during dinner, then bravely presents Jimmy Bean's case to the Ladies' Aid, but leaves saddened by their decision.
- Aunt Polly Harrington
Aunt Polly has a headache and skips the Ladies' Aid meeting; she previously called Jimmy Bean a beggar, which Pollyanna remembers.
- Jimmy Bean
Jimmy Bean is the orphan boy Pollyanna advocates for, hoping to find him a home with a family.
- Rev. Paul Ford
Mentioned indirectly through his wife, Mrs. Ford, who questions Pollyanna at the meeting.
- Mrs. Ford
The minister's wife who asks Pollyanna if her aunt sent her and later suggests using society funds for Jimmy Bean instead of foreign missions.
Key passages
“There, there, child, say it, if you want to. I'm sure I'd rather you did than not if it's going to make all this fuss.”
Aunt Polly reluctantly allows Pollyanna to speak about the Glad Game to avoid further disruption.
Aunt Polly's weary concession shows her growing tolerance of Pollyanna's habits.
“I thought some of you might like him—to live with you, you know.”
Pollyanna asks the Ladies' Aid if any of them would be willing to take Jimmy Bean into their home.
Pollyanna's innocent plea highlights her belief in community kindness.
“But they acted as if little boys here weren't any account—only little boys 'way off. I should think, though, they'd rather see Jimmy Bean grow—than just a report!”
Pollyanna reflects that the Ladies' Aid cares more about their mission report than about helping a local boy like Jimmy Bean.
Pollyanna's critique underscores the theme of misplaced priorities.