The Miracle Worker

Annie often accuses Kate, Captain Keller, and Aunt Ev of holding Helen back from her true potential with their love and pity. In what ways is Annie right about this? In what ways is she wrong?

Compare and contrast the characters of Kate and Annie. In what ways are they allies? Enemies?

William Gibson uses many voiceovers in The Miracle Worker. How does he use them to enhance the world of the play? Use specific examples from the text.

How do Helen’s disabilities affect the family dynamics? How does it affect her parents’ relationships with James and Mildred, respectively?

The characters in The Miracle Worker frequently refer to Helen as being treated like a pet, or an animal. What might the playwright be trying to say about society’s treatment of people with disabilities through these references? Do statements about Helen evolve over the course of the play, and if so, how?

Other characters reference Annie’s glasses in The Miracle Worker. Track the references and explain how Gibson uses them as a symbol throughout the play, and how they enhance our understanding of Annie’s character.

Dr. Anagnos tells Annie to let her past stay buried, but Annie says that “God must owe [her] a resurrection” (15). What does Annie mean by this? Does she get her resurrection?

Pick one of the main or supporting characters (besides Helen) and analyze how they change over the course of the play. Is Helen’s change the only “miracle” that happens? Why or why not?