Miracle Worker Symbolism Essay

Symbolism is everywhere in literature. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, symbolism is “the use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities” (Symbolism, n1). Symbolism is widely used throughout literature. Iin plays like The Miracle Worker symbolism is used to drive the story forward. A symbol in The Miracle Worker that drives the play’s plot forward is the keys that are kept around the Keller household. The keys are a symbol because they show Helen’s growing trust with Annie and the unlocking of her mind. Helen’s life before the arrival of her future mentor, Annie Sullivan, was not disciplined. In the story, the Kellers would “treat” Helen to stop her from misbehaving by giving her a piece of candy. This would lead Helen to be spoiled and undisciplined, which was noted when Annie arrived at the Keller household stating, “and, nobody, here, has, attempted, to, control, her. The, greatest, problem, I, have, is, how, to, discipline, her” (Gibson, 23). Also at the house are keys in every door, so that family members can lock them easily. However, it is also used by Helen, who locks people in their rooms that she does not like or trust, which Annie experienced when Helen locked her in her own room after Helen a temper tantrum in Annie’s room. However, over time, Annie, got Helen to trust her more and more. This was evidently shown at the end of the story when Helen returned home from being with Annie for two weeks. Annie carried …show more content…
We have seen it through the example of the keys in The Miracle Worker. Through the exact and paraphrased words throughout the story, it shows that not only that symbolism is a literary device that makes readers read between the lines, it also shows that the keys are a valid symbol in the story of Miracle Worker. “Symbolism is the language of mysteries. By symbols men have ever sought to communicate to each other those thoughts which transcend the limitations of language.” (Manly