Attempt either Part (A) or Part (B)
Part A
Write a character sketch of Mrs. Van Dann in 120‒150 words.
Or
Attempt a character sketch of Peter in 120‒150 words.
Part B
Attempt in 120‒150 words a character sketch of Miss Sullivan.
Or
What role did Mr. Gilman play in Helen Keller's life? (120‒150 words)
Answers
PART A
(a) Mrs. Van Dann comes across as a person whom Anne cannot tolerate. She appears selfish and aggressive, always wanting to create fights and disharmony in the annexe. She is overprotective of her son and not very appreciative of the relationship between Anne and Peter. She is very jealous of Anne when she finds out that Peter confides more to the latter than to her.
On the other hand, there are certain instances where Mrs. Van Dann comes across as level headed, strong and reasonable. She is usually neat and tidy and at times more approachable for Anne compared to her own mother. Even though Mrs. Van Dann’s character does not evolve much through the story, we get a glimpse of a overprotective mother in her.
(b) Peter Van Dann, who eventually becomes Anne’s love interest, is a typical young passive teenage boy. Initially, he comes across a weak, shy and awkward boy who has chosen to take the easier path in life. The idea of being stuck in an annexe forever appears to put a shield on his mental growth. He seems to lack the courage to grow up and become a man. He is also not interested in religion or discussions of depth. When Anne and him become a couple, he promises to not fight with her as he feels that it will make their lives comfortable and he does avoid conflicts. This shows that either he really liked her or just was not interested in putting up a fight for his ideologies.
PART B
(a) Miss Anne Sullivan is the most influential person in Helen Keller’s life. She is instrumental in making Helen Keller appreciate herself and the world and also in finding her hidden potentials.
Being born partially blind, Ms. Sullivan finished her education at Perkin’s Institution for the Blind which plays a major role in Helen’s life. She helps Helen appreciate the little nuances of nature and also helps her find her creativity and shapes her thought processes. She helps her complete formal education by helping her study and take notes.
Ms. Sullivan is shown as a very caring and dedicated person who ensures that Helen Keller shines to her fullest and best always - be it in her academics or art.
(b) Mr. Gilman who was the Principal of Cambridge School of Young Ladies was one of the teachers who was really interested in helping educated Helen Keller. He learnt Braille so that he can help her study. He taught her English literature. His deep understanding of various subjects and clear explanations made it easier for Helen to understand and comprehend. He read the question papers using Braille for her during the exams and spelled each word so that she can make changes if she wanted to. He forwarded that papers to the examiners with the certificate that Helen had written them.
On the other hand, Mr. Gilman underestimated the abilities of Helen. He felt that she was being overworked and needed a break. This ultimately led to Helen’s mother withdrawing Helen from the school.