The Miracle Worker

Vocabulary & Discussion

Act III

Morose-sad; depressed commotion-violent motion

Perturb-to disturb greatly inexorable-not capable of being persuaded

Inarticulate-unable to speak collide-to come together with impact

Repose-to rest replica-a copy

Obstinate-stubborn combative-a tendency to fight

Inflame-to arise resurrection-a rebirth

Meekly-patiently; modestly precocious-unusually early development of intelligence

Throng-a crowd intimation-implication; hint

Dismay-to fill with fear ironic-meaning the opposite

Devastate-to ruin radical-extreme

Elude-to get away from

1. Why are the Kellers now delighted with Helen?

2. Why is Annie not content? What does Annie want?

3. Why do the Kellers not give Annie more time?

4. What doe the Captain promise Anie?

5. How and why does Helen ‘test’ the family?

6. How does Annie convince Kate to allow Helen to be disciplined? Find a quotation that states Annie’s main point.

7. Who resolves the argument between the Captain and Annie? Why is this an important event in this character’s life?

8. How does the ‘miracle’ of Helen’s gasping the concept of language occur?

9. What do you think makes the scene at the water pump so dramatic?

10. Why do you think Annie was able to reach Helen when no one else could? What does this tell the reader about how to treat the disabled?

11. How has Helen changed, and does she fit the definition of a ‘dynamic character’?

12. Who else in the play would be considered ‘dynamic characters’?