Helen Keller

• ENGLISH
• Secondary Education

Expected Learning Outcomes I will be able to:

• discover more about Helen Keller.
• read a letter by Helen Keller, and discover and relate to her passion for life.
• relate to the central idea of the short read 'Helen Keller'.
  
• share my views while answering the questions based on the short read.

A

 real

SUPERHERO!

An 

Inspiring 

Journey

List the character traits of Helen Keller that you find immensely impressive and incredibly motivating!

Why do you think Helen initially became difficult to control by her parents?

Let's read a letter that demonstrates Helen's passion for life...

February 2, 1924.

The New York Symphony Orchestra,

New York City.

Dear Friends,

I have the joy of being able to tell you that, though deaf and blind, I spent a glorious

hour last night listening over the radio to Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. I do not mean to say that I heard the music in the sense that other people heard it; and I do not know whether I can make you understand how it was possible for me to derive pleasure from the symphony. It was a great surprise to myself. I had been reading in my magazine for the blind of the happiness that the radio was bringing to the sightless everywhere. I was delighted to know that the blind had gained a new source of enjoyment; but I did not dream that I could have any part in their joy. Last night, when the family was listening to your wonderful rendering of the immortal symphony someone suggested that I put my hand on the receiver and see if I could get any of the vibrations. He unscrewed the cap, and I lightly touched the sensitive diaphragm.

What was my amazement to discover that I could feel, not only the vibrations, but also the impassioned rhythm, the throb and the urge of the music! The intertwined and intermingling vibrations from different instruments enchanted me. I could actually distinguish the cornets, the roll of the drums, deep-toned violas and violins singing in exquisite unison. How the lovely speech of the violins flowed and plowed over the deepest tones of the other instruments! When the human voice leaped up trilling from the surge of harmony, I recognized them instantly as voices. I felt the chorus grow more exultant, more ecstatic, upcurving swift and flame-like, until my heart almost stood still. 

Helen feeling vibrations created as someone plays the piano

As I listened, with darkness and melody, shadow and sound filling all the room, I could not help remembering that the great composer who poured forth such a flood of sweetness into the world was deaf like myself. I marvelled at the power of his quenchless spirit which out of his pain he wrought such joy for others- and there I sat, feeling with my hand the magnificent symphony which broke like a sea upon the silent shores of his soul and mine. Let me thank you warmly for all the delight which your beautiful music has brought to my household and to me. I want also to thank Station WEAF for the joy they are broadcasting in the world. 

With kindest regards and best wishes, I am,

Sincerely yours,

Why does Helen want to thank radio station WEAF?

The word 'symphony' means ____________.

1. orchestration
2. incompatibility
3. asymmetry
4. disturbance

Which of the following is an antonym of 'derive'?

1. evolve
2. disregard
3. assume
4. obtain

Which of the following is an antonym of 'immortal'?

1. eternal
2. timeless
3. terminable
4. enduring

Which of the following is synonymous to 'enchanted'?

1. fascinated
2. offended
3. wearied
4. revolted

When the family was listening to the wonderful
rendering of the immortal symphony, what
did someone suggest Helen Keller?

Which of the following is an antonym of 'intertwined'?

1. integrated
2. uncombined
3. blended
4. amalgamated

Which of the following is a synonym of 'unison'?

1. refusal
2. consent
3. disunity
4. disharmony

Which of the following is an antonym of 'surge'?

1. decline
2. deluge
3. swell
4. flood

Which of the following is a synonym of 'exultant'?

1. joyous
2. miserable
3. troubled
4. All of the above

Write a brief character sketch of Anne Sullivan.

Which of the following is NOT a synonym of 'ecstatic'?

1. elated
2. joyous
3. indifferent
4. enthusiastic

Identify the literary device used in the given line:
'As I listened, with darkness and melody, shadow
and sound filling all the room...'

Identify the literary device used in the given line:
'I could not help remembering that the great composer
who poured forth such a flood of sweetness into
the world was deaf like myself.'

Which of the following is an antonym of 'quenchless'?

1. urgent
2. insistent
3. fulfilled
4. desiring

Which of the following is a synonym of 'marvelled'?

1. amazed
2. stupefied
3. stunned
4. All of these

Which of the following is NOT an antonym of 'wrought'?

1. attempted
2. initiated
3. fashioned
4. None of these

" I do not mean to say that I heard the music in the sense that other people heard it and I do not know whether I can make you understand how it was possible for me to derive pleasure from the symphony. "
Why does Helen think that it is difficult for us to understand her joy?

SUCCESS CRITERIA:
Now, I CAN:
* share more about Helen Keller.
* relate to and share about Helen Keller's passion for life.
* relate to the central idea of the short read 'Helen Keller'.
* share my views while answering the questions based on the short read.

1. Strongly agree
2. Agree
3. Not sure
4. I need some help.