This episode is an early example of how even though Helen cannot communicate, she still possesses intelligence and problem-solving skills from a young age. When she notices that her doll lacks facial features, particularly eyes, she is very disturbed by this. The stage directions describe her as trying to get her aunt's attention by tugging at her dress. Of course, nobody understands what she is trying to tell them. Even going about the room trying to get everyone's attention does not get her point across. She searches the desk for something to help communicate the doll's need for eyes but continues to come up short.

She eventually shows the others what she is trying to do by yanking two buttons off of Aunt Ev's dress and holding them to the doll's face. Kate confirms that Helen wants the doll to have eyes by holding Helen's hand questingly to her own eyes.

The symbolism here is clear. Helen recognizes that her doll cannot see, just like her. She wants it to have eyes just as she wishes that she could experience the world in this way as well. She is also showing the grownups in the room that she is not stupid and helpless, and they would know this if only they were able to communicate with each other in non-conventional ways.