Helen Keller Review

Who is the speaker of the poem "Helen Keller"?

• Kate Keller

• Anne Sullivan

• Helen Keller

• Langston Hughes

Answer explanation

Langston Hughes is the speaker of the poem. He generally wrote about the struggles of African Americans. Hughes was inspired by Helen Keller because she didn't allow her disabilities or challenges stop her from accomplishing her dreams.

Why did Langston Hughes write a poem about Helen Keller?

• He thought she was interesting

• She was a champion for the rights of women, the disabled, and African Americans

• He found Helen Keller inspirational because her inner strength helped her to persevere despite her disabilities

• All of the above

Answer explanation

Hughes was inspired by Helen Keller's inner strength. Keller was a champion for the rights of others, but this answer choice is a distractor.

What did Hughes mean by “She,
In the dark,
Found light
Brighter than many ever see.”?

• It’s impossible to know what will happen in the future.

• Helen Keller was able to learn and understand even though she was blind and deaf.

• Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

• Nothing. He wrote that because it sounds pretty.

Answer explanation

Helen Keller was able to find her way in the dark. She learned to read and write even though she was blind and deaf. Hughes used a metaphor to compare blindness and hope to darkness and light.

What is the theme or message of the poem?

• You can accomplish anything if you believe in yourself and your inner strength.

• It's impossible to overcome challenges.

• Help can come from unexpected places.

• Always do the right thing.

Answer explanation

Remember theme is the message or lesson the author is trying to teach us. Hughes wanted us to learn that we can do anything if we're determined and look inside ourselves for the strength to persevere.

What does the speaker mean by "dower" in the poem?

• love

• something someone leaves behind after they die

• a gift

• All of the above

Answer explanation

Hughes means that Helen Keller left a legacy behind for us. If she could overcome her challenges and struggles, so can we.

In The Story of My Life, how did Helen feel after she understood what the word "water" meant?

• Proud

• Angry

• Joyful

• Jealous

Answer explanation

Helen felt joy because she finally understood that everything has a name and meaning.

What type of text is The Story of My Life?

• Poem

• Fiction

• Informational

• Autobiography

Answer explanation

The Story of My Life is an autobiography or memoir Helen Keller wrote about her life.

The Story of My Life is told from which point of view?

• First person

• Third person, limited

• Second person

• Third person, omniscient

Answer explanation

The Story of My Life is told from first person point of view. Helen Keller is telling her own story.

Who was Anne Sullivan?

• Helen's aunt

• Helen's teacher

• Helen's older sister

• Helen's best friend

Answer explanation

Anne Sullivan came to Helen's home to teach her how to communicate by spelling words into her hand.

What word would best describe how Anne Sullivan felt while teaching Helen?

• Strict

• Dedicated

• Frustrated

• Outgoing

Answer explanation

Even though Helen broke the new doll and struggled to learn at first, Anne Sullivan was dedicated to helping Helen learn how to communicate.