

Although Keller is found innocent of intent, her confidence is shaken, and it takes her some time to recover from the scars left by the incident and the supportive friend lost in the process. These were essential foundations for Keller’s confidence and self-esteem, both of which were to be frequently challenged in the coming years.Īs her education continues, Keller learns a series of valuable lessons, one of which involves the accidental plagiarism of a short story.

For a child who had felt isolated and trapped, these gifts allow her to use her imagination and to begin to define who she is as an individual. Sullivan’s arrival changes Keller’s life, bringing her out from the darkness of her mind into the light of the world.įrom Miss Sullivan, Keller learns to love nature and education, particularly reading. From there, Miss Sullivan is sent to Keller’s home as a tutor for the young girl. Alexander Graham Bell in Washington, who in turn connects them with Mr. Although he cannot help Keller, he recommends her parents contact Dr. In desperation, her parents take her to Baltimore to be evaluated by a prominent eye doctor. Keller’s frustration and depression manifest themselves in temper tantrums which steadily grow out of control. She finds herself isolated due to her disabilities and her inability to communicate or be understood by others. Growing up in a small Alabama town, Keller suffers an illness just shy of her second birthday which robs her of her eyesight and hearing.
