summary of the story of my life chapter 18 19 20 21 22 23. please a little long summary
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Chapter 18
In October 1896, Helen entered the Cambridge School for Young Ladies, to be prepared for Radcliffe. She visited Wellesley also. With the passage of time her desire to be educated formally with girls who could see and hear grew stronger. It was decided she would go to Cambridge along with Miss Sullivan. The pace of studies was very fast for her; she faced many hurdles but overcame them. Her preliminary examination for Radcliffe started on 29th June and continued till 3rd July. Though she faced many difficulties, still she passed her English, German, French, and other subjects satisfactorily.
Chapter 19
During the second year at Mr. Gilman’s school, Helen faced many difficulties. Most of the books on the subjects she was studying were not in Braille. The classes were large, and the teachers could not pay her special attention. Mr. Gilman began to feel that Helen was working very hard to cope with her difficulties, and reduced her recitations. Miss Sullivan and Helen’s parents did not like it. Finally Helen and her sister, Mildred were withdrawn from the school. However, Helen continued her studies under a private tutor named Mr. Merton Keith. Helen took her final exam for Radcliffe college on 29th and 30th June 1899. Facing a lot of hardships and challenges, she passed her examination and thus became eligible to enter the college.
Chapter 20
Helen decided to study another year under Mr. Keith and entered college in 1900. She was soon disappointed to discover that the college was not as wonderful as she had imagined. She did not find warmth in the mechanical lecture of her professors. Helen did not like the way formal education was being imparted. She was exceedingly critical about the examination system. She realized knowledge was far more interesting than the so called education being given at colleges.
Chapter 21
In this chapter Helen talks about her love for books. Helen admits that all her joys and pleasures were related to books. She tells about the names of books that were her companion since her childhood, Books such as, Little Lord Fauntleroy, Bible Stories, The Arabian Nights, Robinson Crusoe, etc. Helen loved Greek History and Literature, Bible, Shakespeare, German and French Literature. She also mentions the names of writers, poets, and playwrights such as Carlyle, Wordsworth, Whittier, Mark Twain, etc. who left lasting impressions on her mind. For Helen, Literature was a Utopia. She found books to be the best friends she ever had.
Chapter 22
In this chapter Helen talks about her love for country side and outdoor sports.
She talks about the sport activities such as boating, swimming, etc. she had
learnt at early age. She beautifully describes one of her rowing experiences.
She also tells the readers about her tree-friends in Wrentham. She particularly
talks about her oak tree-friend. She also tells the difference between walking
in city streets and in the countryside. according to Helen country side is far
more beautiful and conducive to the proper growth of mind and body. Helen also
talks about her dog-friends. Helen shares with the readers the fun she would
have, particularly on rainy days. She preferred knitting, playing chess or
checkers with friends. Next Helen shares with the readers her love for museums,
art stores, and theater. She love meeting actors and actresses. She tells us
about her meeting with Miss Ellen Terry and Sir Henry.
Chapter 23
In the last chapter of the novel Helen thanks the most important people in her
life; these people really helped and inspired Helen to move ahead in life and
overcome her disabilities. She thanks Bishop Brooks for his spiritual lessons,
Dr. Oliver Wendell Holmes for teaching her how to appreciate poetry and
mankind, John Whitter for his politeness, Dr. Graham Bell for his scientific
genius and love for children, Mr. and Mrs. Hutton for introducing her to many
writers and authors, and so many other people who made her life full of light
in spite of the darkness in it.