summary of the story of my life chapter 2
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Summary of Chapter 2
Helen could not communicate with anyone except using her own sign language until she became seven years old. Helen’s disabilities often annoyed her and she lost her temper quite often. She would often kick her nurse Ella. Martha Washington, the coloured girl was her childhood companion. Together they had lots of fun doing mischief and pranks. Helen loved the festival of Christmas. Helen talks about her father and shares with the readers his many great qualities. Helen got herself in many precarious situations owing to her inability to see and hear. Helen felt jealous of her sister Mildred and even threw her once out of her cradle.
Chapter 2 of ‘Story of my life’ unfolds with the aftermath of Helen’s illness during her childhood that took away her sight and hearing sense. She narrates how she began to communicate with primitive gestures and actions to convey her needs and feelings.
Helen praises her mother since her mother understood all her gestures and actions and would fulfill her needs. That gave Helen, huge moral support in those dark and lightless days. She appreciated her mother’s love, wisdom, and understanding.
Helen also describes her mood changes and how she would get angry and arrogant if her needs were not met. She was rather able to move in and around her house despite her disabilities. She also describes the bitter experience she got when she triggered a fire in the house by drying her apron.
She remembers the garden her father nurtured and how she learned a lot of things from it. She beautifully expresses how she would spend her day with Martha and other kids and how she loved her little sister.