Pollyanna

Pollyanna, an 11-year-old orphan with a radiant optimism, arrives to live with her strict Aunt Polly Harrington. She immediately sets a bright tone for the town with her can-do spirit and endless gladness, making quick impressions on the people she meets.

Her upbeat approach wins over a diverse cast of neighbors, including the hypochondriac Mrs. Snow and the reclusive Mr. Pendergast. Her constant positivity helps people look at their lives in a new light, softening old resentments. The town begins to feel less divided as she recruits cheer into everyday life.

Aunt Polly's wealth and influence steer most of Harrington, including opposition to razing and rebuilding the derelict orphanage. The townspeople still want a carnival to raise funds, but Aunt Polly's authority makes many hesitant to openly help. Pollyanna's presence slowly challenges that control with her optimism.

Dr. Edmond Chilton and others press the town minister to publicly back the carnival, reminding him that a church belongs to the people, not a single owner. Pollyanna shows Rev. Ford a locket and a note from Aunt Polly, aligning him with the idea of community aid. The minister begins to see the bazaar as a shared effort rather than a personal feud.

Pollyanna's remarks and her late father's quote motivate Rev. Ford to speak up during services. Her optimism becomes a visible counterpoint to Aunt Polly's rigidity, which frustrates Pollyanna's aunt. The church scene marks a turning point in the town's perception of community and faith.

Aunt Polly forbids Pollyanna from taking part in the carnival, fearing a loss of control. Pollyanna accepts the setback with surprising grace, though the restriction intensifies the rift between her guardian and the townspeople. The town's curiosity about Pollyanna's influence continues to grow nonetheless.

Jimmy Bean, her friend and fellow orphan, helps Pollyanna slip away from the attic and head to the carnival. The pair share a sense of adventure as they make their way into a celebration that promises a better future for the community. The escape scene demonstrates Pollyanna's relentless pursuit of joy despite Aunt Polly's orders.

At the carnival, Pollyanna fully embraces the event and finds something to be glad about, winning her first-ever doll. The moment underscores her gift for finding goodness even in small victories. The town sees her spirit shine as the carnival unfolds.

Returning home after the carnival, Pollyanna climbs to her attic window to reach her bedroom and accidentally drops the new doll, losing her balance. She falls and is knocked unconscious, and the severity of her injuries becomes a heavy new burden for the family. Aunt Polly and the servants discover her, and the town's cheers turn to concern.

Paralyzed and grieving for her loss of mobility, Pollyanna inspires guilt in Aunt Polly, who realizes her isolation of the girl harmed more than helped. Dr. Chilton consoles her, suggesting that they unite to give Pollyanna the love she needs. The townspeople flock to Aunt Polly's house to share their support.

Jimmy Bean's future is secured when Mr. Pendergast adopts him, bringing him into a new family and away from the orphanage's shadow. Pollyanna's circle widens as the community follows these changes with hopeful eyes. Aunt Polly begins to see more of the town's affection for her niece.

Aunt Polly, Pollyanna, and Dr. Chilton resolve to seek treatment in Baltimore that could restore Pollyanna's ability to walk. The decision marks a formal shift from local healing to a wider, medical hope that the town embraces. The nickname Gladtown begins to spread as the community rallies behind Pollyanna.

The trip to Baltimore is set, with the operation hoped to correct Pollyanna's injury and help her walk again. The town supports the journey, reflecting the change in their relationship with Aunt Polly and Pollyanna. The story closes with the townspeople adopting the nickname Gladtown in Pollyanna's honor.