III
Eventually, however, even Pollyanna’s robust optimism is put to the test when she is struck by an automobile and loses the use of her legs.
At first she doesn’t realize the seriousness of her situation, but her spirits plummet when she is told what happened to her.
After that, she lies in bed, unable to find anything to be glad about.
Then the townspeople begin calling at Aunt Polly’s house, eager to let Pollyanna know how much her encouragement has improved their lives; and Pollyanna decides she can still be glad that she at least has had her legs.
The novel ends with Aunt Polly marrying her former lover Dr. Chilton and Pollyanna being sent to a hospital where she learns to walk again and is able to appreciate the use of her legs far more as a result of being temporarily disabled and unable to walk.