's
autobiography from her early life, called , reveals that Annie Sullivan is
Helen's teacher. Helen was debilitated by an illness as a baby; "the illness which closed
my eyes and ears and plunged me into the unconsciousness of a new-born baby." Her family
does not know what to do or how to help her after Helen is left blind and deaf after the
illness. Helen remembers the day that Annie came as "The most important day I remember in
all my life."
In The Miracle Worker, by William
Gibson, Annie arrives at the Keller household and is immediately mistrusted by Captain Keller,
Helen's father, who is disenchanted when Annie refuses his "southern hospitality."
Annie is young and inexperienced, and whereas Annie sees those as advantages, the Keller family
is concerned about her capacity to manage Helen. Keller questions how anyone can expect
"one blind child to teach another."
Annie is not perturbed by the
family's reaction to her, and even when James mocks her efforts to teach Helen the sign for
"doll," Annie remarks how "bright" Helen is just for mimicking her actions.
When Helen has a tantrum, Annie persists, making Helen spell words back to her, even if they
have little meaning. Annie is happy with Helen's capacity to "imitate now; understand
later."
Helen's continued mischief does have an effect on Annie when
Helen hurts Annie and then locks her in her bedroom. Annie is sometimes haunted by her late
brother's pain but shuts it out and deals with the problem at hand, being carried down a ladder
by Helen's father, much to Annie's embarrassment and dismay.
Alone with
Helen, Annie watches what Helen does with the key, and can't help but admire the little
"devil." She effectively challenges Helen as she has "nothing else to do,"
and act I ends with a determined Annie and a resolute Helen.
Annie is
unwavering in her efforts to help Helen "without breaking her spirit," but she is
sorely tested by Helen's apparent willingness to cooperate, which is swiftly followed by
destruction. Annie knows that Helen's behavior is a result of years of being pitied, but she
does not want the family to pity Helen and wants to show them that Helen's tantrums need a
different approach. When Helen folds her own napkin, Annie knows that she can reach Helen.
Helen's mother, Kate, is sufficiently affected and impressed by the folding of the napkin as to
persuade Captain Keller to let Annie stay, which he is otherwise not inclined to do.
Annie realizes that she cannot teach Helen in her home environment, and she has
sufficiently affected Kate that she is allowed to take Helen to the garden cottage and work with
her alone.
The breakthrough for Annie with Helen comes after their return
from the garden cottage when Helen has the sudden realization that she can communicate. Helen no
longer has a need for "tricks" in order to attract attention, and the future looks
bright.
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