The Story of My Life (pages 89-129)

The Story of My Life- Helen Keller

Summary:

Helen talks about the sports she likes to play. In Wrentham, Massachusetts, she learned to row and swim and enjoyed rowing a boat. She often went canoeing and her favorite amusement was sailing. On rainy days, she would stay indoors to knot and crochet, and played chess. After Helen Keller writes her autobiography, the book shows some of the litters she wrote. The letters is not only a supplementary of her life, but as a demonstration of her growth in thought and expression. She lived at different time in different parts of the country, so she is separated from most of her friends and relatives. Some letters are to her family and friends to update them on how she is doing and what has been going on in her life. Some letters are to Mr. Michael Anagnos. On November 1887, Helen Keller writes to Mr. Angonos, the director of the Penkins Institution telling him about her doll Nancy and that she is sick. She mentions her love for him and that dolls mean a lot to her. When she was young, before having the help of Annie Sullivan, she played with dolls. One of her dolls did not have eyes, which upset her. It related to her because the doll did not have eyes to see and Helen was blind so she cannot see herself. Most of her long and important letters are to Mr. Michael Anagnos. On February 24 1888, Helen writes him a letter telling him she received. The doll is from New York, and is named Adaeline Keller. The doll is in perfect condition; it can shut her eyes, bend her arms, sit down and sit up straight. On May 3, 1888, another letter is written to Mr. Michael Anagnos. She loves him and is happy to receive a book, candy and two other letters from her. Her mother is making her a dress to wear in Boston, so she can see little girls and boys, and Michael was well.

Quotation:

"Nothing gives me greater pleasure than to take my friends out rowing when they come to visit me. Of course, I cannot guide the boat very well" (Keller 89).

Reaction:

When Helen Keller was young, blind and dead, and had no help from Annie Sullivan, she was mad at the world because she wasn't able to experience anything. Ever since Annie Sullivan came to teach Helen, she was able to learn more and travel around the country. She loved going up to the North during the summer and for holidays. Her favorite place was Massachusetts. In the summer, she was able to row and swim in the lake. This refers to the quote- Helen is saying she can't guide the boat because she is blind, but she can still enjoy the nature and participate in other activities. I'm happy that Annie Sullivan came around, because it's hard to find a great teacher and she changed Helen's life and showed care for her.