An optimistic outlook

‘Pollyanna’, a novel by Eleanor Porter, tells the story of a young orphan who lives with her cold unfriendly aunt. Pollyanna takes comfort in ‘the glad game’ which involves finding something to appreciate, however bleak the situation. The game was first played when she once received a pair of crutches as a Christmas present. Pollyanna’s late father taught the child to overcome disappointment by being delighted that she did not need such a gift.

When Pollyanna’s aunt puts her niece in a bare attic, Pollyanna plays the glad game by saying that if her room was beautifully furnished, she might miss the view from her window. Pollyanna’s sunny temperament gradually influences everyone she encounters, transforming their lives. Towards the end of the book, when she has an accident and loses the use of her legs, Pollyanna is strengthened by the townsfolk whom she has helped and slowly strives to walk again.

“There is something about everything that you can be glad about, if you keep hunting long enough to find it,” declares Pollyanna. This fictional character’s philosophy has come in for criticism. A Pollyanna-type of individual is seen as someone whose unfailing optimism is a denial of reality and a disregard for suffering.

Actually, people who make light of their trials are usually not only well aware of their own troubles but also sympathetic to the problems of their fellow human beings. Besides, they impart positivity to those steeped in despair. Their bright and buoyant attitude cheers others and keeps them from wallowing in self-pity.

There was once a pastor who, like Pollyanna, was famous for being constantly thankful. On a particularly dark and depressing day, he prepared to preach. As the congregation wondered how their spiritual mentor could possibly praise God that dreary morning, the pastor prayed: “We thank Thee, O Lord, that the weather is not always like this.”

The pastor was not being simplistic. He was reminding his listeners of the numerous injunctions in the Bible to ‘rejoice’ (Pollyanna says there are 800 of them!), both in good times and bad. “Give thanks in all circumstances,” urges St Paul. Not easy, but to do so is conducive to health and happiness!