How Does A Number Of Helen's Disabilities And Emotions Affect The Keller Family?

1. Before Annie’s arrival, Helen’s disabilities and behaviors affected the Keller family in an unconventional way; it really just depended on how the character embraced her abnormality. For the Captain, Helen’s behaviors interrupted the progression of his work. Mr. Keller had been working and Helen would cause a distraction and stop her father from getting his work done. Not only did Helen’s disabilities negatively impact the Captain, but, it made Kate’s life more difficult; she was always stressed. Helen's mother had no way to communicate with her, this drove Kate to the point where she would spoil Helen. Whenever Helen did something wrong, Kate would reward her so she would stop instead of disciplining her like most parents do. As for James, he disliked her presence. James was always sarcastic towards Helen; his first line of the play was sarcastic, “James (blandley). She only dug Martha’s eyes out. Almost Dug. It’s always almost, no point worrying till it happens, is there?” (Gibson 12). He disliked her and didn’t enjoy being near her. So, before the arrival of Annie, the Keller family was unfortunate to have Helen’s disabilities. …show more content…
Annie Sullivan is a very strong and persistent young woman. Throughout the play she shows that she wouldn’t give up on Helen. For example, when Helen refused to sit in her chair at the dinner table, Annie was patient and calmly placed her back into her chair. In the text it states “Annie rises again in pursuit, and this time lifts Helen bodily from behind and bears her kicking to her chair.” (Gibson 64). This proves that although Helen was a struggle, Annie bared her blows and continued to try and help Helen. Helen on the other hand, would take advantage of Annie and abuse her. Annie being in the position of a teacher was forced to take all the