Discussion Topic
Captain Keller's reaction to Annie's work with Helen and her behavior upon arrival in The Miracle Worker
Summary:
Captain Keller reacts to Annie's work with Helen with strong disapproval and anger, believing she is too strict and lacks compassion. He prefers to humor Helen's disruptive behavior, while Annie insists on discipline. Despite his initial attempts to dismiss Annie, he reluctantly agrees to her demand for complete control over Helen for a two-week period, fearing the alternative of sending Helen to an asylum.
What is Captain Keller's reaction to Annie's work with Helen in Act 2 of The Miracle Worker?
Captain Keller's reaction to Annie's work with Helen is a combination of disapproval and anger. His approach to Helen is to ignore her completely, even when she is disrupting the table during meals, so as to complete his meal and have a conversation.
Annie has a totally different view on how to deal with Helen, and she believes that Captain Keller's attitude and behavior have a direct impact on Helen's out of control behavior.
"The Captain, angry at Annie and her treatment of his daughter, wants to fire the young teacher but is persuaded by Kate and Aunt Ev to grant Annie's request to isolate herself and Helen in the garden house for an entire week."
What does Annie do to antagonize Captain Keller upon her arrival in "The Miracle Worker"?
When Kate arrives back at the house with Annie Sullivan, her husband attempts to act chivalrous and carry Annie's suitcase. However, Annie argues with him about this, insisting on handling her suitcase herself. Annie's motives soon become clear. She drops the suitcase hard on the floor, and the vibration gets Helen's attention. Helen is able to come over and assess the situation, feeling the suitcase and feeling Annie. The two then go upstairs together. Annie is establishing herself with Helen immediately, and taking control of her relationship with Helen.
This idea of control is another part of her antagonism with Captain Keller. Annie understands that, in order for Helen to learn to conquer her disability, Helen must take control of all her actions. Annie had to learn to do this herself, and she understands in ways the Keller's do not how dangerous it can be to enable the young girl - to do "for" her and not allow her to do things herself.
The importance of this small insistence on Annie's part becomes clear at the first family meal. Annie insists that Helen learn to fold her own napkin - the family tries to do it for her. Helen is happy to let them. However, Annie is firm, and after a long struggle, she emerges the victor - Helen does fold her own napkin.
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