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...

At the "welcome home" dinner in "The Miracle Worker," Helen initially regresses to her previous unruly behavior after showing improvement during her time with Annie Sullivan in the garden house....

In The Miracle Worker, James is advised to be more supportive and understanding towards Helen and Annie. He is encouraged to step out of the background and take a more active role in the family's...

Helen dropping the key into the well at the end of Act One symbolizes her initial resistance and isolation, while foreshadowing the breakthrough in Act Three. The key represents Annie's role in...

In "The Miracle Worker," the situation with Helen and Anne inspires James to assert himself to his father, Captain Keller. During a tense dinner, Helen's unruly behavior prompts Annie to take...

Captain Keller uses the simile of "teaching a dog to spell" to describe Annie's efforts to teach Helen to communicate. This comparison reflects his skepticism about Helen's ability to learn anything...

After Captain Keller compliments Annie for her achievements with Helen, Annie requests that he not undo her progress by allowing Helen to have her way in everything. She urges him and his wife to...

Helen wants approval from Annie, as she demonstrates her grasp of the "game" of spelling by forming letters into Belle's paw. At this stage, Helen perceives the letter-making as a game taught by...

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...