Illustration of Helen Keller and her teacher, Annie Sullivan

The Miracle Worker

by William Gibson

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The Miracle Worker Questions on Act 2

The Miracle Worker

The relationship between James and Captain Keller in The Miracle Worker is strained and conflict-ridden. James feels overshadowed and ignored by his authoritative father, Captain Keller, who...

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The Miracle Worker

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...

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The Miracle Worker

The Miracle Worker uses several symbols to enhance its themes. The water pump symbolizes communication and breakthrough, as Helen Keller's understanding of language begins there. The locked doors...

2 educator answers

The Miracle Worker

The Kellers' actions at breakfast in "The Miracle Worker" reveal their lack of discipline and boundaries for Helen, who is blind and deaf. Helen's unruly behavior, like sticking her fingers into...

1 educator answer

The Miracle Worker

Jimmie stands up to his father in "The Miracle Worker" during a dinner scene where Helen misbehaves, and her parents wish to appease her. Annie insists on discipline, and when Mr. Keller tries to...

1 educator answer

The Miracle Worker

Captain Keller is an imperious man and a domineering force in his home. He expects to be obeyed and does not tolerate disobedience of his wishes or orders. In Act II, when Helen and Annie are...

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The Miracle Worker

Light and darkness in "The Miracle Worker" symbolize knowledge and ignorance, respectively. Light represents Helen Keller's journey towards understanding and communication, while darkness signifies...

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The Miracle Worker

In "The Miracle Worker," Annie uses Percy to achieve her objectives by engaging him to provoke Helen's jealousy and curiosity. This tactic helps Annie to break through Helen's isolation and...

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The Miracle Worker

Percy describes Helen's way of communication as an attempt to talk by touching her fingertips to her lips and mimicking the lip movements of others without producing sound. He observes this behavior...

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The Miracle Worker

The author effectively describes Helen's fit at the dinner table, highlighting the challenges Annie Sullivan faces. The scene emphasizes Annie's determination and strong will, crucial for teaching...

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The Miracle Worker

James calls Annie "General" to support her authority in disciplining Helen, contrasting with Captain Keller's lack of control. By saying, "If it takes all summer, general," James expresses his...

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The Miracle Worker

Challenging study questions for "The Miracle Worker" by William Gibson include examining the extended metaphor of war throughout the play, speculating on modern medical responses to Helen's...

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