History
What century does the story take place in?
19th Century/1800s
How does the play open?
With Kate and Keller figuring out Helen is deafblind.
How is the thematic subject of pity vs tough love shown throughout the play?
1) Annie's harsh teaching methods
2) The parents' feel sorry for Helen so they don't discipline her.
What is the first word Annie tries to teach Helen?
Doll
How old is Annie?
20
What army did Captain Keller fight in?
Confederate
What is the only word Helen says in the entire play?
Water (wha wha)
How is the importance of communication through language represented in the play?
Annie constantly says that's what she wants to teach Helen, and gives several long speeches about the significance of words.
What word does James spell to mock Annie after she's locked out of her room?
Ladder
What was Annie's brother's name?
James/Jimmie
True or false: Annie Sullivan was a real person.
True
How does "The Breakfast Scene" end?
Helen eats from her own plate and folds her napkin.
When Kate asks Annie to "put up with us," how does this show the divide between North and South?
Kate can tell Annie isn't used to old Southern values and is confused by the way they do things.
What are two horrific things Annie saw at the asylum?
How did Helen lose her sight and hearing?
An illness as a baby.
True or False: The Kellers own slaves during the play.
False.
Why does Annie take Helen away from her parents?
They are getting in the way of her learning.
What does the repetition of water foreshadow in the play?
The final scene where Helen understands that things have names. (She learns what water is.)
What is Helen "teaching her dog to spell."
Water
How old is Helen?
Six, almost seven.
a pump
What do we see in the flashbacks?
Annie's childhood, specifically scenes around her time in the asylum and bad memories about her brother.
What does the repetition of the key symbolize in the play?
Unlocking Helen's mind when she learns what language is.
Who stays with Annie and Helen in the garden house?
Percy
What's the baby's name?
Mildred