Student Question
What was the first argument between Annie and Helen in The Miracle Worker?
Quick answer:
The first argument between Annie and Helen in "The Miracle Worker" occurs over Annie's suitcase before entering the house. Helen explores Annie's hands and tries to open the suitcase. Annie uses sign language to indicate that the suitcase belongs upstairs. Helen, understanding, attempts to help but a small struggle ensues as Helen tugs the suitcase toward the door. After this initial conflict, they move to Annie's room, leading to another disagreement over a doll.
Although one might think Annie's and Helen's first fight is in regards to the doll that Annie wants Helen to spell, the first scuffle is actually over Annie's suitcase before Annie even enters the house. This is Helen's first experience with signing. After Helen touches and explores Annie's hands and arms and dress for the first time, Annie tries to touch Helen's hands, but is turned away. Helen "gropes" over the suitcase that Annie has brought and tries to open it. Here Annie presents her first sign, she points Helen's hand overhead to show that Annie's suitcase belongs upstairs. Annie does it again. Helen does it herself (to ask a question) and then, in complete understanding, attempts to help. Here's where the small fight begins (the first of many):
HELEN now begins tugging the suitcase toward the door, when ANNIE tries to take it from her, she fights her off and backs through the doorway with it. ANNIE stands a moment, then follows her in, and together they get the suitcase up the steps into ANNIE'S room. (33)
The first fight being over, the two adjourn to Annie's room to have their second one (over a very particular "D-O-L-L"). After Annie gets a pretty good whack in the face, she knows just how strong little Helen is: a challenge but a joy just the same.
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