The Story of My Life · Chapter
Endnotes explained
This chapter contains the endnotes for the book, providing references, citations, and additional context for various events and documents mentioned throughout the narrative, including details about Miss Sullivan's accounts, Helen Keller's l
What happens
This chapter contains the endnotes for the book, providing references, citations, and additional context for various events and documents mentioned throughout the narrative, including details about Miss Sullivan's accounts, Helen Keller's letters, and the Frost King incident.
Themes in this chapter
Language and Communication
Endnotes discuss Helen Keller's speech lessons with Miss Fuller and the challenges in her articulation, highlighting the theme of language acquisition.
Education and Knowledge
References to educational reports, lessons, and the centenary of Dr. Howe underscore the importance of education for the deaf-blind.
Characters to notice
- Helen Keller
Referenced in multiple endnotes regarding her letters, speech, and the Frost King incident.
- Anne Sullivan
Mentioned in endnotes for her accounts of Miss Keller's speech and the Frost King incident.
- John Greenleaf Whittier
Quoted in an endnote expressing admiration for Anne Sullivan's work.
- Sarah Fuller
Noted as giving Helen Keller her first lesson in articulation.
- Ragnhild Kaata
Referenced in an endnote.
- Phillips Brooks
Mentioned as having died on January 23, 1893.
- Samuel Gridley Howe
Referenced in connection with a centenary celebration at Tremont Temple.
- Margaret T. Canby
Noted as the author of 'Birdie and His Fairy Friends'.
Key passages
“With great admiration of thy noble work in releasing from bondage the mind of thy dear pupil, I am truly thy friend. John G. Whittier.”
John Greenleaf Whittier expressed deep admiration for Anne Sullivan's work in freeing Helen Keller's mind.
This quote appears in an endnote as a tribute from Whittier.
“Out of the cloud-folds of his garments Winter shakes the snow.”
Helen Keller recited a line about winter shaking snow from the folds of his garments, which she had learned from Longfellow's poem 'Snowflakes'.
This is referenced in an endnote describing how Helen recalled the line during a snowstorm.