1. Several scenes are focused on letters written to various characters. Early on, Keller writes to Dr. Chisholm, who refers Keller to Alexander Graham Bell. What is the purpose of showing the exchanging of letters?

2. Why do you think the play opened with Dr. Howe examining Helen?

3. What does Captain Keller attribute Helen's behavior to at the table?

4. Why is a great deal of the focus placed on Helen's face?

5. Why does Annie want to take Helen out of the Kellers' house? Where do they go?

6. Why is Annie hesitant to take her first paycheck from Captain Keller?

7. What happens after Helen speaks?

8. One of the main props for Annie is the pair of glasses with smoked lenses. Why are the glasses important?

9. What is Kate's reason for not disciplining Helen?

10. How do the Kellers realize that Helen is blind and deaf?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Annie took Helen to Boston with the intention of introducing Helen to the Institute as well as to the Blind Girls and Mr. Anagnos. Do you think Annie, Kate or Mr. Keller intended to enroll Helen at the Institute? If so, why didn't Helen stay? How did the girls and Anagnos relate to Helen? What was Helen's opinion on the place and people?

Essay Topic 2

Annie moved Helen out into the garden house so that they could be isolated from the rest of the family. What was the purpose in the move? What action did Annie take previously to confuse Helen? Did the plan work? How did Kate react?

Essay Topic 3

Upon meeting Kate Keller, Annie said that she intended to teach Helen half of what an ordinary child might know. What was Kate's response and what was the conversation to follow? Whose opinion was correct in the end?

(see the answer keys)

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