Perhaps Porter's most famous work, Pollyanna was published in 1913 and received immediate praise and success. The orphaned Pollyanna arrives in Beldingsville to live with her harsh and dutiful maiden aunt. All soon feel her effect as she enlivens everyone with her cheerful and infectious optimism. The sad, the lonely, the sick, and the obnoxious all become enamoured of this girl's enthusiasm and zeal. However, dark times are to come as Pollyanna is hit by an event that she cannot deal with. Her famous 'gladness' seems lost and she must find a way to regain her past happiness.