Question

How did nature acted as a teacher for Helen. (5marks)

Answer 1

Undoubtedly, Helen was very close to nature. Before the advent of her angelic teacher, Miss Sullivan in her life, nature was her sole solace. Helen loved to be in company of nature. After she lost her sense to see and hear, Helen would be guided by her sense to smell. Just by smelling she could find the violets and the lilies. She loved to be lost in trees, flowers and gardens. She loved to touch the soft petals of roses, the leaves of various creepers and plants. The fragrance of flowers and of the morning dew would drive her crazy. Her first learning lessons happened in the company of nature. She just loved the way her teacher, Miss Sullivan taught her the word 'WATER' by touching it. She like Wordsworth found solace and strength in nature. 
Since natural beauty abounded around her home, she touched all the beautiful objects of nature such as trees, flowers, blades of grass, earth, stones, etc. Natural beauty was abundant around her house. The Keller homestead was quite near a rose- bower. Its old fashioned garden was the paradise of her childhood. Often when she got frustrated of the perpetual darkness in her life, this garden was the place where she went to find comfort and hide her hot face in the cool leaves and grass. Helen felt extremely happy in that garden of flowers, wandering happily from spot to spot. She could recognize each vine and plant by touching them. The clematis, drooping Jessamine, butterfly lilies were her constant companions. But she liked the roses the most.  She adored the fragrance of these roses. She believed they resembled  the asphodels of God's paradise. This garden made her forget the pain  resulting from the loss of her eyesight, hearing and the frustration and anger associated with them.

Answer 2

One day Miss Sullivan and Helen, while returning home from a walk stopped under a cherry tree. Helen climbed the tree with the help of Miss Sullivan and in the meantime her teacher went home to get lunch. Suddenly the weather changed. Helen could sense a thunderstorm, the tree started shaking and she felt heavy winds gushing past her. Helen wanted to jump off the tree. She felt she would fall along with the tree. Soon, her teacher caught her hand and helped her down. This terrible experience taught her that 'nature is not always kind'.