Most of us know Helen Keller as the little deaf and blind girl who triumphed over adversity to become world-famous. Perhaps we have seen the movie The Miracle Worker, with its well-known scene where Keller discovers the meaning of the word water. Perhaps we have heard---or even told--Helen Keller jokes. But as The Story of My Life shows, Keller's life is neither a miracle nor a joke. It is a tremendous achievement. Seemingly destined to be im prisoned in darkness and isolation for the rest of her life,Keller built upon the brilliant work of her teacher, Anne Sullivan, to become a nationally recognized and respected figure.

INTRODUCTION

CHRONOLOGY OF HELEN KELLER’S LIVE AND WORK

HISTORICAL CONTEXT OF The Story of My Life

THE STORY OF MY LIFE

LETTERS

NOTES

INTERPRETIVE NOTES

CRITICAL EXCERPTS

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

SUGGESTIONS FOR THE INTERESTED READER