XXVIII: The Game and Its Players explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• The Glad Game

  The entire town adopts the Glad Game, and Pollyanna finds a new reason to be glad despite her paralysis.

• Transformation Through Connection

  Pollyanna's influence transforms Mrs. Snow, Milly, and the broader community, leading to widespread gratitude.

Characters to notice

• Pollyanna Whittier

  Discovers the town is playing the Glad Game and finds joy in having had legs to teach others.

• Aunt Polly Harrington

  Receives visitors and learns the full story of the Glad Game from Nancy.

• Nancy

  Explains the Glad Game to Aunt Polly, recounting how Pollyanna taught her to be glad about Monday mornings.

• Milly Snow

  Visits to express gratitude for Pollyanna's impact on her mother's life and the game.

• Mrs. Benton

  Visits to see Pollyanna, wearing a blue ribbon as a sign of the game's influence.

Key passages

• “Why, Pollyanna, I think all the town is playing that game now with you—even to the minister!”

  Aunt Polly tells Pollyanna that the entire town, including the minister, is now playing the Glad Game.

  Highlights the widespread adoption of the game.

• “I can be glad I’ve had my legs, anyway—else I couldn’t have done—that!”

  Pollyanna realizes she can be glad for having had the use of her legs to teach others the game.

  Key moment of finding hope despite her injury.

• “It means that ever since last June that blessed child has jest been makin’ the whole town glad, an’ now they’re turnin’ ’round an’ tryin’ ter make her a little glad, too.”

  Nancy explains to Aunt Polly that Pollyanna has been spreading gladness throughout the town, and now the town is trying to return the favor.

  Summarizes the reciprocal impact of Pollyanna's influence.