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The Story of My Life

by Helen Keller

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Topics for Discussion

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1. Why is Helen extremely frustrated by her inability to communicate before Anne Sullivan arrives?
2. Helen learns that the word "w-a-t-e-r" represents the substance flowing from the pump in the well-house. Why is this realization so important?

3. Why is it crucial for Helen to learn how to speak orally? Why does her joy in speaking elicit a silent reaction from her family?

4. In her descriptions of what she has "seen," Helen frequently uses words that evoke visual images she cannot actually see, or sounds she cannot hear. Identify some examples of this and explain how she, as a blind or deaf person, could use these terms to describe her experiences.

5. When Helen writes "The Frost King," she genuinely believes she is creating her own story. Explain why it is not actually her original work and how she ends up plagiarizing it. What are your thoughts on the adults' reactions?

6. What challenges does Helen face when attending schools for sighted and hearing students?

7. Are you surprised by the number of activities Helen engages in? Why or why not?

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