Helen
What bad habit does Helen have at the dinner table?
She takes food from other people’s plates with her hands.
Why does Annie wear dark glasses?
Because she has serious problems with her eyesight.
How many children do Kate and Captain Keller have?
Two — Helen and a baby.
Who is “The Miracle Worker”?
Annie Sullivan. She helps Helen discover a way to communicate with the world, which is the “miracle” at the heart of the story.
What is the first word Helen understands at the water pump?
“Water.”
What lesson does Annie try to teach Helen at the dinner table? Finish: "... before words".
Table manners.
"rules"
Why does Kate tell James that Helen is not the only one who needs to learn to “talk”?
Because James and his father have trouble communicating with each other.
What does the baby bird breaking out of its shell symbolise?
It symbolises Helen breaking out of her isolation and beginning a new life through language and communication.
What illness caused Helen to become blind and deaf?
A severe illness known as “brain fever.”
Why does Annie lock the door with a key when she is teaching Helen?
To keep the family out, establish her authority, and prevent Helen from escaping.
What do we learn about Annie’s family?
She is an orphan. Her younger brother died, and they spent years in a state poorhouse.
Can you name key scenes in the film?
1. Helen locks Annie in.
2. Annie locks Helen an herself in.
3. Annie locks Helen an herself in the garden house.
4. Helen takes the keys to her mom.
5. Helen gives the key to Annie.
How old was Helen when she became deaf and blind?
About 19 months old.
Finish the quote:
“No use to help or speak for other people. You should…”
“…teach them to do it themselves.”
How does James change during the story?
He changes from being bitter, mean to Helen and envious to standing up to his fatherand gaining his respect.
What does the key symbolise in the film?
The key can symbolise
1. authority and control — who is in charge.
2. the “key” to communication and to reaching Helen.
Where does Helen hide the key after locking Annie in the room? (2 elements)
First in her mouth, and then she throws it into the well.
Why can Annie relate to Helen’s experience? (2 elements)
Annie was also partly blind and spent much of her childhood isolated in a state poorhouse. She understands what it is like to feel cut off from the world.
How do Kate, Captain Keller, and James each treat Helen differently?
Kate: She spoils Helen but also believes in her abilities and hopes she can learn.
Captain Keller: He pities Helen but believes she may need to be sent to an asylum.
James: He is bitter and envious at first, but eventually stands up for Helen and supports her need to learn.
How do the first and last key scenes mirror each other?
the key - mouth / languate - wather pump
In the first scene, Helen puts the key in her mouth and hides it. In the final water-pump scene, she discovers the meaning of “water” and gives Annie the key. The key therefore connects the beginning and the breakthrough at the end.