Eleanor H. Porter

Eleanor H. Porter[1†]

Eleanor Emily Hodgman Porter (December 19, 1868 – May 21, 1920) was an American novelist, most known for her works “Pollyanna” (1913) and “Just David” (1916)[1†][2†]. Born in Littleton, New Hampshire, she was the daughter of Llewella French (née Woolson) and Francis Fletcher Hodgman[1†]. Porter was trained as a singer, attending the New England Conservatory for several years[1†]. In 1892, she married John Lyman Porter and relocated to Massachusetts[1†]. After her relocation, she began writing and publishing her short stories and, later, novels[1†]. She achieved considerable commercial success, with “Pollyanna” ranking among the best-selling novels in the United States during 1913, 1914, and 1915[1†]. Her other notable works include “Just David” (1916), “The Road to Understanding” (1917), and “Oh Money! Money!” (1918)[1†].

Early Years and Education

Eleanor Emily Hodgman Porter was born on December 19, 1868, in Littleton, New Hampshire[1†][2†][3†]. She was the daughter of Llewella French (née Woolson) and Francis Fletcher Hodgman[1†][3†]. From an early age, Porter showed a talent for music[1†][4†][5†][3†].

She pursued this passion by attending the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston[1†][2†][3†]. Here, she honed her skills and gained a local reputation as a singer in concerts and church choirs[1†][2†]. Her musical career continued even after her marriage in 1892 to John Lyman Porter[1†][2†]. However, by 1901, she had shifted her focus from music to writing[1†][2†].

This period of Porter’s life was instrumental in shaping her future career as a novelist. Her early experiences and education not only influenced her writing style but also provided her with the necessary skills to create engaging and relatable characters in her novels.

Career Development and Achievements

After her marriage to John Lyman Porter in 1892, Eleanor H. Porter relocated to Massachusetts[1†][2†][6†]. It was here that she began her writing career[1†][2†][6†]. Initially, she started with short stories, which were published in various popular magazines and newspapers[1†][2†]. By 1907, she had published her first novel, "Cross Currents"[1†][2†][5†].

Porter’s writing mainly encompassed children’s literature, adventure stories, and romance fiction[1†]. Her most famous novel is “Pollyanna” (1913), which was followed by a sequel, “Pollyanna Grows Up” (1915)[1†]. Other notable adult novels include “The Turn of the Tide” (1908), “The Road to Understanding” (1917), “Oh Money! Money!” (1918), “Dawn” (1919), and “Mary Marie” (1920)[1†][2†].

“Pollyanna” was a commercial success, ranking eighth among best-selling novels in the United States during 1913, second during 1914, and fourth during 1915[1†]. The novel was translated into several languages and inspired a Broadway play (1916) starring Helen Hayes and a motion picture (1920) starring Mary Pickford[1†][2†]. A 1960 version starred Hayley Mills[1†][2†].

Porter’s other books like “Just David” (1916), “The Road to Understanding” (1917), and “Oh Money! Money!” (1918) also featured in the best-sellers list[1†][2†].

First Publication of Her Main Works

Eleanor H. Porter’s writing career was marked by a series of successful publications, both in the realm of children’s literature and adult novels. Here are some of her most notable works:

• Pollyanna (1913)[1†][7†]: This is perhaps Porter’s most famous work. The novel tells the story of Pollyanna, a young orphan who goes to live with her wealthy but stern Aunt Polly. Pollyanna’s philosophy of life centers on what she calls “The Glad Game,” an optimistic and positive attitude she learned from her father.
• Pollyanna Grows Up (1915)[1†][7†]: This sequel to Pollyanna follows the title character into adulthood, where she continues to maintain her positive outlook and spirit, even in the face of serious challenges.
• Just David (1916)[1†][7†]: This novel focuses on the character of David, a young boy who lives an isolated life in the mountains with his father. After his father’s death, David is thrust into the real world, where his innocence and musical talent profoundly affect those around him.
• The Turn of the Tide (1908)[1†]: This is one of Porter’s adult novels. The details of the plot are not widely documented, but like much of Porter’s work, it likely contains themes of optimism and resilience in the face of adversity.
• The Road to Understanding (1917)[1†]: Another one of Porter’s adult novels. While specific plot details are not widely available, the themes of the book likely align with Porter’s other works.
• Oh Money! Money! (1918)[1†][7†]: This novel tells the story of a millionaire who, wanting to decide who should inherit his wealth, changes his identity and decides to live with his distant relatives.
• Dawn (1919)[1†][7†]: This novel’s plot is not widely documented, but it’s another testament to Porter’s prolific writing career.
• Mary Marie (1920)[1†][7†]: This novel narrates the story of a young girl whose parents divorce. The girl, Marie, divides herself into two personas - Mary, who lives with her mother, and Marie, who lives with her father.

These works, among others, have cemented Eleanor H. Porter’s legacy in the world of literature. Her stories, filled with themes of optimism, resilience, and the transformative power of positivity, continue to resonate with readers to this day[1†][7†].

Analysis and Evaluation

Eleanor H. Porter’s work, particularly her novel “Pollyanna”, has had a significant impact on American literature and popular culture[8†]. The term “Pollyanna” has even entered the English language, used to describe someone who maintains a resolutely optimistic outlook, even in the face of adversity[8†].

Porter’s “Pollyanna” was incredibly successful from the start, appealing to readers of all ages[8†]. The novel’s central theme, the “glad game,” where one tries to find something to be glad about in any situation, resonated with readers[8†]. This theme of optimism and resilience is a common thread in Porter’s works[8†].

The success of “Pollyanna” was such that it sold more than 150,000 copies soon after its publication[8†]. Its popularity soared during the war years, providing a comforting, positive message as World War I approached[8†]. The book’s success led to a sequel, “Pollyanna Grows Up”, published in 1915[8†].

However, the term “Pollyanna” has also been used pejoratively to describe an overly optimistic outlook that ignores reality[8†]. This reflects a critical analysis of Porter’s work, suggesting that there are limits to optimism[8†].

Porter’s other works, such as “Just David” and “Oh Money! Money!”, also reflect her ability to create engaging narratives that explore themes of optimism, resilience, and the transformative power of positivity[8†][9†][10†].

In conclusion, Eleanor H. Porter’s works, particularly “Pollyanna”, have left a lasting impact on American literature. Her exploration of optimism and resilience in the face of adversity continues to resonate with readers, even as it invites critical analysis[8†][9†][10†].

Personal Life

Eleanor H. Porter was born as Eleanor Emily Hodgman on December 19, 1868, in Littleton, New Hampshire[1†][2†]. She was the daughter of Llewella French (née Woolson) and Francis Fletcher Hodgman[1†]. Porter was trained as a singer and attended the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston[1†][2†][3†][11†].

In 1892, she married John Lyman Porter and relocated to Massachusetts[1†][2†][3†][11†]. After her marriage, she began writing and publishing her short stories and later, novels[1†][2†][3†][11†]. Her transition from music to writing marked a significant shift in her personal life and career.

Porter passed away on May 21, 1920, in Cambridge, Massachusetts[1†][2†][3†][11†]. She was buried at Mount Auburn Cemetery[1†][2†][3†][11†]. Despite her passing, her legacy continues to live on through her works, particularly the “Pollyanna” series, which has been translated into several languages and continues to be loved by readers around the world[1†][2†].

Conclusion and Legacy

Eleanor H. Porter’s legacy is primarily defined by her creation of the “Pollyanna” series, which became a cultural phenomenon[2†]. The series resonated with the American reading public’s desire for reassurance of rural virtues and cheerful optimism[2†]. Porter’s skill in blending social conscience and ironic distance into the sentimentalism of her message contributed to the book’s success[2†].

“Pollyanna” was second on the fiction best-seller list for 1914, followed by “Pollyanna Grows Up” in 1915[2†]. The popularity of “Pollyanna” led to its adaptation into a Broadway play in 1916, starring Helen Hayes, and later into motion pictures[2†]. “Glad” clubs sprang up around the country and then abroad as “Pollyanna” was translated into several foreign languages[2†]. The name “Pollyanna” itself soon entered the American lexicon, albeit in a largely pejorative sense[2†].

Porter’s other books, including “Just David” (1916), “The Road to Understanding” (1917), “Oh, Money! Money!” (1918), “Dawn” (1919), and “Mary-Marie” (1920), also achieved considerable commercial success[2†][1†][2†]. Her works continue to be loved by readers around the world[2†].

In conclusion, Eleanor H. Porter’s legacy is marked by her ability to create stories that resonated with readers’ desires for optimism and rural virtues. Her works, particularly the “Pollyanna” series, have left a lasting impact on American literature[2†].

Key Information

• Also Known As: Eleanor Emily Hodgman[1†][12†]
• Born: December 19, 1868, Littleton, New Hampshire, USA[1†][12†]
• Died: May 21, 1920, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA[1†][12†]
• Nationality: American[1†][12†]
• Occupation: Novelist[1†][12†]
• Notable Works: “Pollyanna” (1913), “Just David” (1916), “Miss Billy” series[1†][12†]
• Notable Achievements: Porter’s novel “Pollyanna” has become a classic of children’s literature and has been adapted into plays and films[1†][12†].

References and Citations:

1. Wikipedia (English) - Eleanor H. Porter [website] - link
2. Britannica - Eleanor Hodgman Porter: American novelist [website] - link
3. Goodreads - Author: [website] - link
4. Penguin Books UK - Eleanor H. Porter [website] - link
5. Macmillan Publishers US - Eleanor H. Porter [website] - link
6. Goodreads - Book: Eleanor H. Porter: 14 Books [website] - link
7. Goodreads - Author: Books by Eleanor H. Porter [website] - link
8. Literary Ladies Guide - Pollyanna by Eleanor H. Porter: Revisiting the Eternal Optimist [website] - link
9. University of Virginia Library - A Guide to the Eleanor H. Porter Collection Porter, Eleanor H. 11109 [website] - link
10. ResearchGate - None [website] - link
11. Goodreads - Book: Mary Marie [website] - link
12. Encyclopedia.com - Porter, Eleanor H. (1868–1920) [website] - link