# IX explained — The Story of My Life

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

## What happens

Helen describes her first visit to Boston in May 1888, traveling with her teacher and mother. She contrasts this journey with her earlier trip to Baltimore, noting her newfound calm and eagerness to learn. Upon arriving at the Perkins Institution for the Blind, she joyfully connects with other blind children who use the manual alphabet, feeling at home for the first time. She visits historical sites like Bunker Hill and Plymouth, and makes lasting friends, including Mr. William Endicott.

## Themes in this chapter

### Language and Communication

Helen delights in finding that blind children know the manual alphabet, allowing her to communicate directly without an interpreter.

### Education and Knowledge

Helen's first lessons in history at Bunker Hill and Plymouth Rock spark her imagination and understanding of the past.

### Love and Friendship

Helen forms deep bonds with the blind children and friends like Mr. Endicott, experiencing joy and companionship.

## Character check-ins

### Helen Keller

Narrates her visit to Boston, reflecting on her growth and experiences.

### Anne Sullivan

Accompanies Helen on the journey and describes the scenery to her.

### Kate Adams Keller

Travels with Helen and Miss Sullivan to Boston.

### Laura Bridgman

Mentioned as a student at the Perkins Institution where Helen felt at home.

### William Endicott

A kind friend Helen made in Boston; she visits his home and rose-garden.

## Key lines

> The next important event in my life was my visit to Boston, in May, 1888.

The next major milestone in my life was my trip to Boston in May 1888.

_Helen marks this visit as a pivotal experience._

> What joy to talk with other children in my own language! Until then I had been like a foreigner speaking through an interpreter.

It was pure joy to converse with other children using the same language; before, I felt like a foreigner who needed a translator.

_Helen expresses the liberation of direct communication with peers._

> I could touch it, and perhaps that made the coming of the Pilgrims and their toils and great deeds seem more real to me.

Being able to touch the rock made the Pilgrims' journey and struggles feel more tangible to me.

_Helen emphasizes the power of tactile experience in learning history._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_story_of_my_life_se/chapters/ix
- 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