Pollyanna's eternal optimism has made her one of the most beloved characters in American literature. First published
in 1913, her story spawned the formation of "Glad" clubs all over the country, devoted to playing Pollyanna's
famous game. Pollyanna has since sold over one million copies, been translated into several languages, and has
become both a Broadway play and a Disney motion picture.
Discussion Questions
1. In her first encounter with Pollyanna, Aunt Polly remarks, "I do not care to have you keep talking of your father to me." It could be said that the whole novel illustrates Aunt Polly's -- and other adults' -- avoidance of difficult issues. Do you agree or disagree? How do the adults -- Aunt Polly, Mr. Pendleton, Mrs. Snow -- change by the novel's end due to Pollyanna's insistence on finding the good even in dire circumstances? What issues do adults find challenging to talk about with children today? For instance, how well do we talk with children about death? Or illness? Is avoidance of these issues ever healthy or does talking about them provide a safer environment for children?
2. What is important to Pollyanna in a home? The people? The relationships? Her aunt lives in a wealthy home. How much does that change Pollyanna's notions of what a "home" should be? What about Pollyanna's nature seems to change the homes of the people she comes to know? In what ways do her own notions of "home" seem to stay the same or change by the novel's end?
3. Eternal optimism may be Pollyanna's greatest asset, one that allows her to thrive despite tragedy. What does she teach others? What are her flaws? How does her optimism affect your relationship to her throughout the story? Is she an empathetic character? Why?
4. Eleanor Porter has Old Tom, Nancy, and Jimmy Bean speak in dialect. For instance, upon hearing of Pollyanna's arrival, Old Tom says: "Ter think of my old eyes a-seein' this!" Why does Eleanor Porter have these characters speak this way? What value do you see in Porter's choice? Do you feel empathy for these characters? Does the use of dialect distance you from these characters or can it be helpful in understanding the distances between classes? How?
5. For much of Pollyanna, Miss Snow and Mr. Pendleton are invalids -- she a physical one and he an emotional one. What strengths do they derive from their weaknesses? What powers would each gain or lose by abandoning their closed lives? At what point in the novel does each of these characters begin to see the appeal of a different kind of life? The reclusive Mr. Pendleton, for instance, asks Pollyanna to live with him and be his heir. Do you agree or disagree with this action? What is he trying to fulfill? To what extent do they find new strengths by the novel's -- and the film's -- end?
6. Generate a list of differences you see between the novel and the film: How are the settings different? The characters? The plot? Which changes have the most impact? Does the novel give you more latitude in getting to know the characters? What does the film accomplish that the novel cannot? Which do you prefer? Why?
© WGBH Educational Foundation, 2004
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