I haven't read this book for years, since I was in high
school, but my son just finished it in his 9th grade English class. This gave me a
chance to rethink what was going on when he and I discussed it for his
assignments.
I think, as most agree, that the biggest
obstacle Annie faces in trying to teach Helen is her parents, Captain and Mrs. Keller.
While they obviously love their daughter, they do not know what to do with her. They do
not understand her disabilities as we do in today's society. The prevailing attitudes
of the time were to put these children away in institutions, or hide them away at home.
They were not thought to be teachable so they were left basically on their own -
provided only the basic necessities to sustain
life.
Captain Keller, and to a lesser extent the rest of
the family, hinder Helen's growth and development from early childhood. They allow her
to roam wildly around the house, especially at mealtime, taking what she wants and
shoving it in her mouth to eat. She is not given any direction and allowed to roam
the home and yard. Helen has to teach herself how to get around. She has no way of
communicating her needs other than grunting, groaning, taking things, or hitting and
screaming when she is frustrated and doesn't get what she wants. Helen is not taught
that there are appropriate ways to communicate her needs even when she doesn't have the
benefit of sight and speech.
Annie, with her own
disability, has a unique perspective on Helen's situation. She has faith in Helen and
believes that she can learn to communicate her wants, needs, and desires. "Annie truly
is a Miracle Worker. With love, dedication, and a few kicks to the shins, Annie is
successful in teaching Helen many of the things she needs to know how to do to get along
in life and be able to do so independently.
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