Answer these please:
Q) How did Helen pass her time when she was not reading?
Q) Give a brief character sketch of Helen's father.
Answers
(i) Helen was not only a reading-buff. She loved life’s all good aspects to the fullest. Though she adored reading, she had quite a many hobbies and interests. She loved being in the country enjoying sports and outdoor activities such as rowing, boating, sailing, cycling, walking in the woods, etc. When she was quite a little girl, she learned to row and swim, and during the summer, when she was at Wrentham, Massachusetts, she almost lived in her boat. Nothing gave me greater pleasure than to take her friends out rowing when they visited her. She also enjoyed canoeing. Sailing was also her favourite amusement. In the summer of 1901 she visited Nova Scotia, and had opportunities such as she had not enjoyed before making the acquaintance of the ocean. During one of her sailing expeditions, Helen’s boat had been trapped in the storm, but the skillful captain had steered it safely to the shore. She had many tree-friends with whom she loved to spend time. She also loved playing with her many dog-friends. On rainy days, she loved to sit inside home and knit crochet, play chess or solitaire. Apart from the above mentioned activities, she also loved going to museums and theatre too. She liked interacting with actors and actresses. So we see Helen had zest for life.
(ii) Helen’s father
Mr. Arthur H. Keller, Helen’s father was a captain in the
Confederate Army. Kate Adams, Helen’s mother was his second wife and many years
younger to him. He was a perfect gentleman who was devoted to his family. He
was a renowned hunter and shot. He was known for his hospitality. He loved
gardening and the watermelons and strawberries raised by him were in great
demand. Often he would narrate stories to Helen which she liked considerably. The
news of his sudden death after a short illness in i896 left her dazed and
forlorn.
Her father was also very much concerned about her.
When he heard about an eminent oculist who had been successful in many hopeless
cases, he at once decided to take Helen to Chisholm in Baltimore. He examined
little Helen and expressed Helen's blindness could not be treated. He advised
Helen's father to meet Dr. Graham Bell in Washington. Helen's father
immediately took her to Dr. Bell. Dr. Bell referred him to Mr. Anagnos, who
promised him to arrange a special teacher for Helen. So Helen's parents left no
stone unturned to provide the best of facilities for their disabled
daughter.
Helen's parents were perfect role models of love, care, affection, and responsibilities. They didn't consider Helen as a burden on them. They were rather more worried about her education and well being. They made every effort to find the ways and means to have Helen treated and educated.