Fiesta, 1980
by
Junot Diaz

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the miracle worker themeswilliam gibson

themes and meanings

(comprehensive guide to drama)

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there are two central themes in  the miracle worker: that the human spirit can triumph over even the most daunting of disabilities and that a dedicated teacher can transform the lives of those with whom he or she comes into contact. these inspirational themes have long been personified in the widely known true-life relationship between helen keller and annie sullivan, but  the miracle worker  also dramatizes collateral issues that extend beyond the particular case. underlying helen’s process of learning basic principles of what annie terms “obedience” (decorum, etiquette, and hygiene), there are more universal lessons of self-governance—the inculcation of self-restraint instead of willfulness, the development of self-discipline instead of self-indulgence. only when these lessons have been mastered can helen begin to acquire language—which, annie says, “is to the mind more than light is to the eye.”

let's think

what are some attributes about yourself that has changed?

have you had goals that you've been trying to reach, goals you've thrown away?

how do you view your character; what or who has changed it?

what stories do you have about people or things that have changed you?

has religion changed you? an exciting event?

do you believe life has an adventure in store? do you believe it's meaningless?

try to answer questions about yourself.