Disabilities In William Gibson's The Miracle Worker

Disabilities can begin during any second of a lifetime, whether it be from an accident, disease, or right from birth. According to Dictonary.com, a disability is a physical or mental condition that limits a person from living a normal life, affecting one’s movements, senses, or activities. With that being said, every disability is life touching, for those who are disabled and for those who have a friend or loved one who is incapable of many functions. During a life changing event, many reactions between family, friends, and teachers range from being frustrated to happy. The play written by William Gibson, The Miracle Worker, is a life touching story that demonstrates the strong bond and rough times between family members. Doing everything they

When one is diagnosed there will be heartbreaks all around, especially if a young child is at risk. In the play, The Miracle Worker, Hellen is diagnosed at a young age. Looking over the crib, Mrs. Keller says, “She can’t see look at her eyes,” also saying, “Or hear. When I screamed she didn’t blink. Not an eyelash” (Gibson 7). Furthermore, Helen is deaf and mute. Mr. and Mrs. Keller will not give up on Helen, as family shouldn’t. At first, it seems as though they don’t want to believe their daughter is disabled; however, they begin to realize it’s reality. Their daughter needs their support as which the Keller’s show in many ranges of

After seeing growth in her actions, one may feel the parents gain more trust for Annie’s techniques. Annie wants the separation to continue; however, Helen’s family demands she moves back home. When arriving home, the family begins babying Helen, which frustrates Annie. Annie says, “All of you are so sorry for her you’ve kept her – like a pet, why, even a dog you housebreak. (Gibson 60)” Referring to Helen as a dog, the family begins to pity and give her rewards for her actions that aren’t improving her progress. With all of the progress Helen has made, one may think the parents would continue that progress at home, not set her backwards. Furthermore, Helen throws a fit. She throws a pitcher of water at Annie, which makes Annie upset and mad. Annie then grabs Helen, dragging her to the pump to refill the pitcher. When this chaos breaks, Captain Keller stands up to stop Annie, because he believes this isn’t right. However, James stands up to their father, explaining to him that he needs to let Annie do her job and trust her (Gibson 90-91). In the face of a loved one, the Keller family teaches us about family dynamics in which support and trust plays a huge part. Throughout, The Miracle Worker, the family demonstrates different actions towards Helen; however, the family works together acting as one unit to help Helen overcome her disability. Furthermore, trusting Annie, led to a