# Prisms explained — Pollyanna

> Chapter companion for Pollyanna by Eleanor H. Porter.

## What happens

Pollyanna continues her visits to John Pendleton, who remains irritable and unhappy despite her presence. She observes the tension between him and her Aunt Polly, and also notes her aunt's hostility toward Dr. Chilton. One morning, Pollyanna is captivated by a rainbow cast by a thermometer in Pendleton's room. He has his maid bring a candlestick with prism pendants, which Pollyanna hangs in the window, filling the room with dancing colors. This leads her to finally tell him about the glad game, and he calls her the finest prism of all.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Glad Game

Pollyanna finally tells John Pendleton the full story of the glad game, using the prisms as a metaphor for finding joy in small things.

### Transformation Through Connection

Pollyanna's persistent visits and her act of hanging the prisms begin to soften John Pendleton's bitterness, hinting at his emotional transformation.

### Suffering and Resilience

John Pendleton's physical helplessness and emotional pain are contrasted with Pollyanna's resilient optimism, as she tries to bring light into his darkened room.

## Character check-ins

### Pollyanna Whittier

Visits John Pendleton frequently, tries to bring him happiness, and finally tells him about the glad game after hanging prisms in his window.

### John Pendleton

Remains irritable and helpless, but is moved by Pollyanna's story and calls her the finest prism.

### Aunt Polly Harrington

Pollyanna tries to talk about Mr. Pendleton and Dr. Chilton, but Aunt Polly avoids the subjects and shows bitterness toward Dr. Chilton.

### Dr. Thomas Chilton

Mentioned as the doctor Aunt Polly refuses to call; Pollyanna wishes he could visit her.

### Nancy

Mentioned as the elderly maid (Nora) who brings the candlestick and helps hang the prisms.

## Key lines

> Why, Mr. Pendleton, it's a baby rainbow—a real rainbow come in to pay you a visit!

Pollyanna exclaims with delight at the small rainbow cast by the thermometer, calling it a visiting baby rainbow.

_Shows Pollyanna's ability to find wonder in simple phenomena._

> Perhaps; but I'm thinking that the very finest prism of them all is yourself, Pollyanna.

John Pendleton tells Pollyanna that she herself is the most beautiful prism, reflecting light and joy.

_A pivotal moment where Pendleton acknowledges Pollyanna's transformative effect on him._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/pollyanna_se/chapters/xviii-prisms
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/pollyanna_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/pollyanna_se/chapters