Grace's Essay - Pollyanna

Discuss how Pollyanna changes the outlook of one character in this story. Use specific examples from the text whenever possible.

I think Pollyanna helps Mr. Pendleton the best. Mr. Pendleton at the beginning could be described as sour. He was also unoptomistic (pessimistic). An example is "Yes, yes. Well there's one thing I know all right, and that is I'm flat on my back right here this minute, and that I might have to stay here - till doomsday, I guess." He has tight patience for anyone but Pollyanna.

Mr. Pendleton has no social skills which makes him cross. He meets Pollyanna while on a walk. He doesn't really like Pollyanna at first. He is lonely, an example is when he says it takes a woman's hand and heart or a child's presence to make a home.

Mr. Pendleton breaks his leg and can't find anything to be glad about. Pollyanna tells him that broken legs get better, but lifelong invalids don't. Mr. Pendleton realizes that he can play the "Glad Game" finds more ways to be glad. He wants to adopt Pollyanna to help him be glad always, but she decides that Aunt Polly needs her more and asks him to consider adopting Jimmy Bean instead.

In the end of the story, Pollyanna helps Mr. Pendleton find a way to make his house a home. He adopts Jimmy Bean for the child's presence. He also learns to be kind, for example he tries to help Pollyanna to be glad after her accident.