Merriam-Webster defines ‘Pollyanna’ as a person who is optimistic and finds the good in everything.  But where did this word come from?

The term comes from a classic, titled “Pollyanna” after it’s main character, a young girl that, unsurprisingly, tried to stay optimistic about everything.

When Pollyanna was little, she desperately wanted a doll, but when the missionary barrel* they had been sent arrived, all that was inside was a pair of crutches.  Her single father cheered her up by saying that she should be glad. When she asked why, he said that she should be glad that she didn’t need them.  Ever since this conversation, they would try to find the best in any situation, calling their game the “Just Being Glad Game.”

This game becomes difficult for Pollyanna when her father dies, leaving her in the custody of her strict Aunt Polly.  Still, Pollyanna continues to try to see the best no matter the situation.

On one of her many treks to bring her sick, grouchy neighbor sweets, Pollyanna met a quiet old man walking his dog.  Her polite hello was blatantly disregarded.

She continues to be polite and up-beat towards the old man and over time he begins to warm up to her and they even hold brief conversations.

Can Pollyanna bring some joy to the rest of this sad town?  Read “Pollyanna“ by Anna Sewell, to find out!

Missionary barrel: – a barrel of foods, toys, and other items donated to missionaries.  Usually a collection of things the previous owner/owners no longer need.