Pollyanna by Eleanor H. Porter

Name: Pollyanna
Author: Eleanor H. Porter

"Pollyanna" by Eleanor H. Porter follows the story of an optimistic young girl, Pollyanna Whittier, who is sent to live with her stern and reclusive aunt, Miss Polly Harrington, after the death of her father. Pollyanna's unwavering positivity and "glad game," where she finds something to be glad about in every situation, begins to influence the people around her, including her aunt, who initially resists the change. As Pollyanna navigates her new life, she encounters various townspeople, each with their own struggles, and her cheerful outlook gradually transforms their lives. The novel explores themes of optimism, the impact of kindness, and the importance of community, ultimately highlighting how a single person's perspective can bring light into the lives of others.

By Eleanor H. Porter · First published 1913 · Genre: Children's Literature, Coming-of-Age, Inspirational Fiction · 32 chapters · 74,310 words

First lines

Miss Polly Harrington entered her kitchen a little hurriedly this June morning. Miss Polly did not usually make hurried movements; she specially prided herself on her repose of manner. But today she was hurrying -- actually hurrying.

Nancy, washing dishes at the sink, looked up in surprise. Nancy had been working in Miss Polly's kitchen only two months, but already she knew that her mistress did not usually hurry.

What this Textopian page supports

Pollyanna is listed on Textopian as a novel by Eleanor H. Porter, dated 1913 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novel
Author: Eleanor H. Porter
Date: 1913 CE
Language: English
Genres: Children's Literature, Coming-of-Age, Inspirational Fiction, Family Saga, Classic Literature
Length: 74,310 words
Structure: 32 chapters, 1,915 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

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How does this novel by Eleanor H. Porter fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Similar titles

Genres

Children's Literature — The book is primarily aimed at a young audience, featuring a child protagonist and themes suitable for children.
Coming-of-Age — The story follows Pollyanna's growth and development, highlighting her experiences and lessons learned.
Inspirational Fiction — The central theme revolves around optimism and the power of positive thinking, inspiring readers to adopt a similar outlook.
Family Saga — The narrative explores family relationships and dynamics, particularly through Pollyanna's interactions with her relatives.