Pollyanna · Chapter
Which Is a Letter from Pollyanna explained
Pollyanna writes a joyful letter to Aunt Polly and Uncle Tom, announcing that she has taken her first steps after nearly ten months in the hospital.
What happens
Pollyanna writes a joyful letter to Aunt Polly and Uncle Tom, announcing that she has taken her first steps after nearly ten months in the hospital. She describes the emotional reactions of doctors, nurses, and other patients, and expresses gratitude for Aunt Polly's wedding held by her bedside. She declares her newfound appreciation for walking and her gladness for everything, including the experience of losing her legs.
Themes in this chapter
The Glad Game
Pollyanna explicitly plays the Glad Game by being glad she lost her legs to appreciate them fully.
Suffering and Resilience
Pollyanna's recovery and positive outlook after months of immobility demonstrate resilience.
Characters to notice
- Pollyanna Whittier
Writes a letter celebrating her ability to walk again after months of recovery.
- Aunt Polly Harrington
Addressed in the letter; she married Uncle Tom by Pollyanna's bedside.
- Timothy Durgin
Referred to as 'Uncle Tom' in the letter, having married Aunt Polly.
Key passages
“Oh, I can—I can—I can walk! I did today all the way from my bed to the window!”
Pollyanna exclaims with joy that she has walked from her bed to the window.
Highlights the triumphant moment of her first steps.
“I'm glad now I lost my legs for a while, for you never, never know how perfectly lovely legs are till you haven't got them—that go, I mean.”
Pollyanna says she is grateful for the experience of losing her legs because it taught her to appreciate walking.
Illustrates her application of the Glad Game to her own suffering.