Question

Write a character sketch of ms Sullivan in the story of my life ( for about 10 marks)

Answer 1

The Story of My Life reveals Annie Sullivan as the inspiration behind Helen Keller's extraordinary life. She is only partially-sighted herself, after undergoing surgery to correct her vision at a young age and herself having been educated at The Perkins Institute for The Blind, a place instrumental in Helen Keller's own development. Anne Sullivan, Annie, is the person responsible for "the most important day I remember in all my life" (ch 5) as Helen recognizes Annie's contribution throughout her life as teacher, interpreter, friend, companion and motivator. Annie never misses an opportunity to teach Helen, whether it be academically or life skills. She teaches Helen an appreciation in even the smallest detail: "in every blade of grass, and in the curves and dimples of my baby sister's hand."(ch 5) Annie has the capacity to help Helen connect with nature and "made me feel that 'birds and flowers and I were happy peers.'"(ch 5) One of Annie Sullivan's most instrumental effects is felt when she makes Helen "Think." It is this that helps Helen make the connection between the abstract and the physical as "you feel the sweetness that it (love) pours into everything."(ch 6) Annie makes "every subject so real that I could not help remembering."(ch 7) So profound is the impact that Annie Sullivan has on Helen that "her being is inseparable from my own, and (that) the footsteps of my life are in hers." (ch 7)

Answer 2

$\textbf{\large{Answer -}}$

Anne Mansfield Sullivan was the teacher of Helen Keller.

She was the one who taught Helen not just like an ordinary teacher but someone as who would teach all the aspects of life.

The day she arrived in Helen's life, Helen marked it as the most favourite day of her life. This was the day when Anne Sullivan brought a new hope of life in Helen's life.

Helen describes her as the "light of love" in her dark world. Miss Anne taught Helen many things including how to be a better human being, bookish knowledge etc etc.