Act I-The Miracle Worker

 

Vocabulary

Refuge: shelter or protection from danger                  disarray: disorder; confusion

Appraisal: the determination of value                         erupt: to explode

Contemplate: to consider thoughtfully                       subtle: difficult to detect

Encounter: to meet                                                      voluminous: having great size

Imperious: overbearing; bossy                                    caricature: a picture in which a subject’s                                                                                                                                                                                            features are exaggerated

Serene: calm; tranquil                                                  chivalrous: courageous, generous, honorable

Composed: calm                                                         imperceptible: not able to be seen or felt

Oblivious: unaware of something                               evade: to avoid

Deferential: courteous respect                                    tyrant: a person who uses power in an unjust                                                                                                                                                                                     way

Ominous: threatening                                                  revert: to return to a former condition

Subside: to settle                                                         laborious: requiring much work

 

Discussion

 

COPY THE QUESTIONS BELOW ON A WORD DOCUMENT, ANSWER THEM, SAVE THEM ON YOUR FLASH DRIVE AND BRING A HARD COPY TO OUR NEXT CLASS.

 

1. How does Helen’s family discover that she is blind & deaf?

2. To what point in time does the play move next?

3. Helen’s father, Captain Keller, shouts, “The house is at sixes and sevens from morning to night over this child,” meaning in a state of neglect & confusion. Describe at least 3          things that Helen does which cause such confusion.

4. Describe what you imagine Helen’s life to be like. What is Helen’s reaction to the darkness &   silence she faces. How do you know that Helen is unhappy? Be sure to consider all    information you are given: mannerisms, interactions with others, etc.

5. What are the Kellers considering to do with Helen?

6. Why is Captain Keller constantly in conflict with his son James?

7. Give THREE reasons why the Keller household is in a constant state of flux. Support your answers with examples from the text.

8. What is the purpose of the scene at Annie’s school?

9. What does the following reveal about Annie? Dr. Anagnos says to Annie, “…you don lack…tact or talent to bend” Annie responds, “The only time I have trouble is when I’m   right. Is it my fault it’s so often?”

10.  Annie is described as obstinate, impudent & combative. How might these qualities impact positively or negatively on Annie’s ability to teach Helen & interact with the Kellers?

11. Give at least three details about Annie’s background.

12. Why did the Kellers hire Annie?

13. What memories bother Annie? What do these memories tell the reader about Annie’s emotional state?

14. How might Annie’s partial blindness & past experiences in institutions affect her resolve to help Helen?

15. What is Helen’s sign for her mother? Why does she use this sign?

16. Find a quotation that sums up Captain Keller’s unhappiness.

17. Explain Annie’s statement, “Language is to the mind more than light is to the eye.”

18. What is Captain Keller’s attitude toward Annie? Why does he feel this way?

19. How does Annie decide that Helen is bright & intelligent?

20. While Annie is locked in her room, she thinks back to her childhood. What literary term is this? Why do you think the author uses this device?

21. Why did Helen try to get rid of Annie? How do you know that Annie accepts the challenge of trying to reach Helen?