Here's a breakdown:
* Pollyanna's Optimism: Pollyanna, an orphan, arrives in The Bend with a sunny disposition and a unique philosophy - "The Glad Game." She actively seeks out the good in every situation, no matter how difficult.
* The Bend's Cynicism: The residents of The Bend are mostly jaded and disillusioned. They've suffered hardship and lost hope, leading to a generally negative worldview.
* The Conflict: Pollyanna's relentless optimism challenges the town's negativity and stirs both resentment and curiosity. The townspeople find her attitude annoying, even hurtful at times, but they also begin to question their own cynicism and find themselves drawn to her positive energy.
Here's how this conflict plays out:
* Resistance: The townspeople initially resist Pollyanna's cheerfulness. They find her naive and her "Glad Game" superficial.
* Transformation: As Pollyanna continues to spread her optimism, she slowly begins to chip away at the town's pessimism. She helps individuals see the good in their lives and find joy in small things.
* Resolution: The novel doesn't offer a simple resolution where everyone becomes happy. Instead, the conflict resolves in a more nuanced way. Some characters remain skeptical, but others begin to embrace a more positive outlook on life. The story ultimately suggests that Pollyanna's optimism, even when met with resistance, can have a profound and lasting impact on others.
Ultimately, the conflict in "Pollyanna" is a powerful commentary on the importance of hope and the potential of a positive outlook to transform even the most jaded of hearts.