“English” Notes Chapter 2.2 Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan Class 9 Maharashtra Board

1. About the Chapter

• This chapter tells the real-life story of Helen Keller and how her teacher, Anne Sullivan, changed her life.
• Helen was blind and deaf from a young age, so she could not see, hear, or speak.
• Anne Sullivan became her teacher and helped her understand words and language.
• The chapter describes Helen’s first experience of learning words and how it opened a new world for her.

2. Main Characters

1. Helen Keller – A girl who was blind and deaf but became a great writer and speaker.
2. Anne Sullivan – Helen’s teacher, who taught her how to communicate.
3. Helen’s Parents – They wanted Helen to learn and live a better life.

3. The Most Important Day of Helen’s Life

• Helen Keller calls the day her teacher, Anne Sullivan, came to her as the most important day of her life.
• Before learning, she felt like a lost ship in a stormy sea.
• Her teacher started teaching her words using finger spelling.

4. Helen’s First Lesson

• Anne Sullivan gave Helen a doll and spelled “DOLL” on her hand.
• Helen learned to spell many words but did not understand their meaning.
• One day, in anger, Helen broke the doll.

5. The Discovery of Words

• Anne took Helen to the well-house and let water flow over her hand while spelling “WATER”.
• Helen suddenly understood that every object has a name.
• She felt excited and wanted to learn more words.

6. Helen’s Feelings After Learning Words

• She realized language connects her to the world.
• Helen felt sorry for breaking the doll and understood emotions like repentance and sorrow.
• She wanted to learn more and explore life.

7. Important Themes in the Chapter

1. Power of Education – Learning helped Helen connect with the world.
2. Patience and Dedication – Anne Sullivan’s hard work and love changed Helen’s life.
3. Overcoming Difficulties – Helen did not give up, even though she was blind and deaf.
4. The Importance of Words – Understanding words gave Helen a new life and freedom.

8. Message of the Chapter

• Disabilities do not define a person; determination and education can change lives.
• Great teachers can make a difference in a student’s life.
• Language is powerful and helps us express thoughts and emotions.