# II: Letters (1887–1901) explained — The Story of My Life

> Chapter companion for The Story of My Life by Helen Keller.

## What happens

This chapter presents a collection of letters written by Helen Keller from 1887 to 1901, documenting her early education, travels, and personal reflections. The letters reveal her growing mastery of language, her relationships with family and friends, and her experiences at various schools, including the Wright-Humason School and Cambridge School, leading up to her entrance into Radcliffe College.

## Themes in this chapter

### Education and Knowledge

The letters chronicle Helen's academic journey, from learning to read and write to preparing for college.

### Language and Communication

Helen's evolving use of language in her letters demonstrates her mastery of communication despite her disabilities.

### Overcoming Adversity

Helen's determination to pursue education and engage with the world despite her blindness and deafness.

## Character check-ins

### Helen Keller

Author of the letters, providing firsthand account of her education and experiences.

### Anne Sullivan

Helen's teacher and companion, frequently mentioned in the letters.

### Kate Adams Keller

Helen's mother, recipient of several letters.

### Captain Keller

Helen's father, mentioned in the context of family life.

### Michael Anagnos

Director of the Perkins Institution, corresponded with Helen.

### Alexander Graham Bell

Supporter and friend, visited by Helen.

## Key lines

> The letters reveal her growing mastery of language, her relationships with family and friends, and her experiences at various schools.

Through her correspondence, Helen demonstrates her increasing fluency in written language, her close bonds with loved ones, and her academic life at multiple institutions.

_Summarizes the content and purpose of the chapter's letters._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_story_of_my_life_se/chapters/ii-letters-1887-1901
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_story_of_my_life_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_story_of_my_life_se/chapters