Chapters 9-11 Summary and Analysis

In chapter nine, rehearsals for The Miracle Worker begin in the heat of summer. Patty did well in the rehearsals and began to forge a strong relationship with Anne Bancroft. In fact, Patty grew close to all the crew members, including the director, Arthur Penn. The most difficult part of the play was the fight scene that takes place between Annie Sullivan and Helen Keller at the end of the second act. This scene is extremely physical and parts of it are real because things such as slapping and pulling hair cannot be realistically faked on stage. There came a point during the run of the play that both Patty and Anne became convinced that the other was hitting too hard on purpose. However, they were able to work out their differences and remain close friends.

When the play...