CHAPTER III.-1
EDUCATIONItisnowsixty-fiveyearssinceDr.SamuelGridleyHowekhathehadmadehiswaythroughLauraBridgmansfioherintelligehenamesofLauraBridgmanandHelenKellerwillalwaysbeliogether,anditisnecessarytouandwhatDr.HowedidforhispupilbeforeoneestoanatofMissSullivanswork.ForDr.HoweisthegreatpioneeronwhoseworkthatofMissSullivanandotherteachersofthedeaf-blindimmediatelydepends.
Dr.SamuelGridleyHowewasborninBoston,November10,1801,anddiedinBoston,January9,1876.Hewasagreatphilanthropist,iedespeciallyintheeducationofalldefectives,thefeeble-miheblind,andthedeaf.Farinadvanceofhistimeheadvocatedmanypublicmeasuresforthereliefofthepoorandthediseased,forwhichhewaslaughedatthen,butwhichhavesincebeenputintopractice.AsheadofthePerkinsInstitutionfortheBlindinBoston,heheardofLauraBridgmanandhadherbroughttotheInstitutiononOctober4,1837.
LauraBridgmanwasbornatHanover,Neshire,December21,1829;soshewasalmosteightyearsoldwhenDr.Howebeganhisexperimentswithher.Attheageoftwenty-sixmonthsscarletfeverleftherwithoutsightorhearing.Shealsolosthersenseofsmellandtaste.Dr.HoweerimentalstistandhadinhimthespiritofNewEnglandtransdentalismwithitslargefaithandlargecharities.SdfaithtogetherledhimtotrytomakehiswayintothesoulwhichhebelievedwasborninLauraBridgmanasiherhumanbeing.HisplanwastoteachLaurabymeansofraisedtypes.Hepastedraisedlabelsosandmadeherfitthelabelstotheobjedtheobjectstothelabels.Whenshehadlearhiswaytoassociateraisedwordswiththings,inmuchthesamemanner,hesays,asadoglearnstricks,hebegantoresolvethewordsintotheirletterelementsandtoteachhertoputtogether"k-e-y,""c-a-p."Hissuccessvincedhimthatlanguagebeveyedthroughtypetothemindoftheblind-deafchild,who,beforeeducation,isieofthebabywhohasnotlearoprattle;indeed,isinamuchworsestate,forthebrainhasgrowninyearswithoutnaturalnourishment.
AfterLauraseducationhadprogressedfortwomonthswiththeuseonlyofraisedletters,Dr.Howesentoneofhisteacherstolearnthemanualalphabetfromadeaf-mute.ShetaughtittoLaura,andfromthattimeonthemanualalphabetwasthemeansofunigwithher.
AfterthefirstyearortwoDr.HowedidnotteachLauraBridgmanhimself,butgaveherovertootherteachers,whounderhisdirecarriedontheworkofteagherlanguage.
ToomunotbesaidinpraiseofDr.Howeswork.Asaigatorhekeptalwaysthestistsattitude.HeneverfottokeephisrecordsofLauraBridgmaninthefashionofonewhoworksinalaboratory.Theresultis,hisrecordsofheraresystematidcareful.FromastifidpointitisunfortuitossibletokeepsupleterecordofHelenKellersdevelopment.ThisinitselfisagreatentonthediffereweenLauraBridgmanandHelenKeller.Lauraalwaysremainedaofcuriousstudy.HelenKellerbecamesorapidlyadistinctivepersonalitythatshekeptherteacherihlessraeettheneedsofherpupil,withnotimethtomakeastificstudy.
Insomewaysthisisunfortunate.MissSullivahebeginningthatHelenKellerwouldbemoreiingandsuccessfulthanLauraBridgman,andsheexpressesinoneofherletterstheneedofkeepingnotes.Buthertemperamentnortrainingallowedhertomakeherpupiltheobjectofanyexperimentorobservationwhichdidnothelpinthechildsdevelopment.Assoonasathingwasdone,adefinitegoalpassed,theteacherdidnotalwayslookbaddescribethewayshehade.Theexplanationofthefactwasunimportantparedtothefactitselfandtheneedofhurryingon.TherearetwootherreasonswhyMissSullivansrecordsareinplete.Ithasalwaysbeenaseveretaxoowrite,andshewasearlydiscedfrompublishingdatabytheinaccurateusemadeofwhatsheatfirstsupplied.
WhenshefirstwrotefromTuscumbiatoMr.MichaelAnagnos,Dr.Howesson-in-lawandhissuccessorasDirectorofthePerkinsInstitution,aboutherworkwithherpupil,theBostonpapersbeganatoopublishexaggeratedatsofHelenKeller.MissSullivanprotested.IerdatedApril10,1887,onlyfiveweeksaftershewenttoHelenKeller,shewrotetoafriend:"--sentmeaBostonHeraldtainingastupidarticleaboutHelen.HowperfectlyabsurdtosaythatHelenisalreadytalkingfluently!Why,onemightjustaswellsaythatatwo-year-oldchildversesfluentlywhenhesaysapplegive,orbabywalkgo.Isupposeifyouincludedhisscreaming,crowing,whimpering,grunting,squalling,withoccasionalkicks,inhisversation,itmightberegardedasfluent--eveneloquent.
ThenitisamusingtoreadoftheelaboratepreparationIunderwenttofitmefreattaskmyfrierustedtome.Iamsorrythatpreparationdidntincludespelling,itwouldhavesavedmesuchalotoftrouble.”
OnMarch4,1888,shewritesier:"Indeed,IamheartilygladthatIdontknowallthatisbeingsaidandwrittenaboutHelenandmyself.IassureyouIknowquiteenough.Nearlyeverymailbringssomeabsurdstatement,printedorwrittehisnotwonderfulenoughtosuittheneers;sotheyenlargeuponitandiridibellishments.OnepaperhasHelendemonstratingproblemsirybymeansofherplayingblocks.Iexpecttohearhatshehaswritteiseontheinandfutureoftheplas!”
InDecember,1887,appearedthefirstreportoftheDirectorofthePerkinsInstitution,whichdealswithHelenKeller.ForthisreportMissSullivanprepared,iantpliahtherequestofMr.Anagnos,anatofherwork.Thiswiththeextractsfromherletters,scatteredthroughthereport,isthefirstvalidsourceofinformationaboutHelenKeller.OfthisreportMissSullivanwroteierdatedOctober30,1887:"HaveyouseenthepaperIwroteforthereport?Mr.Anagnoswasdelightedwithit.HesaysHelensprogresshasbeenatriumphalmarthebeginning,andhehasmanyflatteringthingstosayaboutherteacher.Ithinkheisinedtoexaggerate;atallevents,hislanguageistooglowing,andsimplefactsaresetforthinsuchamahattheybewilderone.Doubtlesstheworkofthepastfewmonthsdoesseemlikeatriumphalmar;butthenpeopleseldomseethehaltingandpainfulstepsbywhichthemostinsignifitsuccessisachieved.”
AsMr.Anagnoswastheheadofagreatinstitution,whathesaidhadmuchmoreeffectthasinMissSullivansatonwhichhebasedhisstatements.TheneerscaughtMr.Anagnossspiritandexaggeratedahundred-fold.InayearaftershefirstwenttoHelenKeller,MissSullivanfoundherselfandherpupilthetreofastupendousfi.Thentheeducatorsallovertheworldsaidtheirsayandforthemostpartdidnothelpmatters.Theregrewupamassoftroversialmatterwhichitisamusingtoreadnow.
TeachersofthedeafprovedapriorithatwhatMissSullivanhaddonecouldnotbe,andsomediscreditwasreflectedoatements,becausetheyweresurrouhevagueeloquenr.Anagnos.ThusthestoryofHelenKeller,incrediblewhentoldwithmoderation,hadthemisfortuobeheraldedbyexaggeratedannous,andnaturallymeteitheranignorantcredulityoranincreduloushostility.
InNovember,1888,anotherreportofthePerkinsInstitutionappearedwithasedpaperbyMissSullivan,ahingofficialublisheduntilNovember,1891,whenMr.AnagnosissuedthelastPerkinsInstitutiotaininganythingaboutHelenKeller.ForthisreportMissSullivanwrotethefullestandlargestatshehaseverwritten;andinthisreportappearedthe"FrostKing,"whichisdiscussedfullyinalaterchapter.Theroversywaxedfiercerthanever.
FindingthatotherpeopleseemedtoknowsomuchmoreaboutHelenKellerthanshedid,MissSullivasilentandhasbeefortenyears,exceptforherpaperinthefirstvoltaBureauSouvenirofHelenKellerandthepaperwhich,atDr.Bellsrequest,shepreparedin1894forthemeetingatChautauquaoftheAmeriAssociationtoPromotetheTeagofSpeechtotheDeaf.WhenDr.Bellandotherstellher,whatiscertainlytruefromanimpersonalpointofview,thatsheowesittothecauseofeducationtowritewhatsheknows,sheanswersveryproperlythatsheowesallhertimeandallherenergiestoherpupil.
AlthoughMissSullivanisstillratheramusedthandistressedwhensomeone,evenoneofherfriends,makesmistakesinpublishedarticlesaboutherandMissKeller,stillsheseesthatMissKellersbookshouldincludealltheinformationthattheteachercouldatpresentfurnish.Soshesehepublicatioractsfromletterswhichshewroteduringthefirstyearofherworkwithherpupil.TheseletterswerewrittentoMrs.SophiaC.Hopkins,theonlypersontowhomMissSullivaneverwrotefreely.Mrs.HopkinshasbeenamatronatthePerkinsInstitutionfortwentyyears,andduriimethatMissSullivanilthereshewaslikeamothertoher.IntheseletterswehaveanalmostweeklyreissSullivanswork.Someofthedetailsshehadfotten,asshegrewmoreandmeneralize.ManypeoplehavethoughtthatanyattempttofindtheprinciplesihodwouldbenothingbutalatertheorysuperimposedonMissSullivanswork.Butitisevidentthatintheselettersshewasmakingaclearanalysisofwhatshewasdoing.
Shewasherowncritidinspiteofherlaterdeclaration,madewithhermodestcarelesshatshefollowednoparticularmethod,shewasveryclearlylearningfromhertaskandphrasingatthetimeprinciplesofeducationofuniquevaluenotonlyieagofthedeafbutieagofallchildreractsfromherlettersasformanimportanttributiontopedagogy,andmorethanjustifytheopinionofDr.DanielC.Gilman,whowrotein1893,whenheresidentofJohnsHopkinsUy:"Ihavejustread...yourmostiingatofthevariousstepsyouhavetakenintheeducationofyourwonderfulpupil,andIhopeyouwillallowmetoexpressmyadmirationforthewisdomthathasguidedyourmethodsandtheaffewhichhasinspiredyourlabours.”
MissAnneMansfieldSullivanwasbornatSpringfield,Massachusetts.Veryearlyinherlifeshebecamealmosttotallyblind,aeredthePerkinsInstitutionOctober7,1880,whenshewasfourteenyearsold.
Laterhersightartiallyrestored.
Mr.Anagnossaysinhisreportof1887:"Shewasobligedtobeginhereducationatthelowestandmostelementarypoint;butsheshowedfromtheverystartthatshehadinherselfthefordcapacitywhisuresuccess....Shehasfinallyreachedthegoalforwhichshestrovesobravely.ThegoldenwordsthatDr.
Howeutteredandtheexamplethatheleftpassedihoughtsaandhelpedherontheroadtousefulness;andnowshestandsbyhissideashisworthysuccessorihemostcherishedbranchesofhiswork....MissSullivanstalentsareofthehighestorder.”
In1886shegraduatedfromthePerkinsInstitution.WhenCaptainKellerappliedtothedirectorforateacher,Mr.Anagnosreendedher.TheonlytimeshehadtoprepareherselffortheworkwithherpupilwasfromAugust,1886,whenCaptainKellerwrote,toFebruary,1887.DuringthistimeshereadDr.Howesreports.ShewasfurtheraidedbythefactthatduringthesixyearsofherschoollifeshehadlivedinthehousewithLauraBridgman.ItwasDr.Howewho,byhisworkwithLauraBridgman,madeMissSullivansworkpossible:butitwasMissSullivanwhodiscoveredthewaytoteaguagetothedeaf-blind.
ItmustberememberedthatMissSullivanhadtosolveherproblemsunaidedbypreviousexperieheassistanceofanyotherteacher.DuringthefirstyearofherworkwithHelenKeller,inwhichshetaughtherpupillanguage,theywereinTuscumbia;aheyorthandvisitedthePerkinsInstitution,HelenKellerwasneveraregularstudentthereorsubjecttothediscipliheInstitution.TheimpressionthatMissSullivaneducatedHelenKeller"uhedirer.Anagnos"iserroneous.IhreeyearsduringwhichatvarioustimesMissKellerandMissSullivanwereguestsofthePerkinsInstitutioeacherstheredidnothelpMissSullivan,andMr.Anagnosdidnotevehemanualalphabetwithfacilityasameansofunir.AnagnoswroteinthereportofthePerkinsInstitution,datedNovember27,1888:"Atmyurgentrequest,Helen,apaniedbyhermotheraeacher,cametotheNorthiweekofMay,aseveralmonthswithusasuests....Wegladlyallowedhertousefreelyourlibraryofembossedbooks,ourcolleofstuffedanimals,sea-shells,modelsofflolants,aofourapparatusforinstrugtheblindthroughtheseouch.Idonotdoubtthatshederivedfromthemmuchpleasureandnotalittleprofit.ButwhetherHelenstaysathomeormakesvisitsinotherpartsofthetry,hereducationisalwaysuheimmediatedireandexclusivetrolofherteacher.erfereswithMissSullivansplans,orsharesiasks.Shehasbeenallowedentirefreedominthechoieansahodsforcarryingreatwork;and,aswejudgebytheresults,shehasmadeamostjudiciousanddiscreetuseofthisprivilege.Whatthelittlepupilhasthusfaraplishediswidelyknown,andherwonderfulattaisandgeneraladmiration;butonlythosewhoarefamiliarwiththeparticularsofthegrandachievementknowthatthecreditislargelyduetotheintelligence,wisdom,sagacity,uingperseverandunbendingwilloftheinstructress,whorescuedthechildfromthedepthsofeverlastingnightandstillness,andwatchedoverthedifferentphasesofhermentalandmoraldevelopmentwithmaternalsolicitudeahusiasticdevotion.”
HerefollowinorderMissSullivaersaimportantpassagesfromthereports.Ihaveomittedfromeachsucceediwhathasalreadybeenexplainedaoberepeated.FortheeaseofthereaderIhave,withMissSullivanssent,madetheextractsruhertinuouslyandsuppliedwordsofeandtheresultingnecessarygesinsyntax,andMissSullivanhasmadeslightgesinthephrasingofherreportsandalsoofherletters,whichwerecarelesslywritten.Ihavealsoitalicizedafewimportantpassages.SomeofheropinionsMissSullivanwouldliketoenlargeandrevise.Thatremainsforhertodoataime.Atpresentwehaveherethefullestrecordthathasbeenpublished.ThefirstletterisdatedMarch6,1887,threedaysafterherarrivalinTuscumbia.
...Itwas6.30whenIreachedTuscumbia.IfoundMrs.KellerandMr.JamesKellerwaitingforme.Theysaidsomebodyhadmeteverytrainfortwodays.Thedrivefromthestationtothehouse,adistanile,wasverylovelyaful.IwassurprisedtofindMrs.Kelleraveryyoung-lookingwoman,notmucholderthanmyself,Ishouldthink.CaptainKellermetusintheyardandgavemeacheeryweleayhandshake.Myfirstquestionwas,"WhereisHelen?"ItriedwithallmymighttotroltheeagerhatmademetremblesothatIcouldhardlywalk.AsroachedthehouseIsawachildstandinginthedoorway,andCaptainKellersaid,"Theresheis.Shehasknownalldaythatsomeoneected,andshehasbeenwildeversiherwenttothestationforyou."Ihadscarcelyputmyfootoeps,whensherushedtowardmewithsuchforcethatshewouldhavethrownmebackwardifCaptainKellerhadnotbeenbehindme.Shefeltmyfaddressandmybag,whichshetookoutofmyhandandtriedtoopen.Itdidnotopeneasily,acarefullytoseeiftherewasakeyhole.Findingthattherewas,sheturome,makingthesignakeyandpointingtothebag.HermotherinterferedatthispointandshowedHelenbysignsthatshemustnottouchthebag.Herfaceflushed,andwheherattemptedtotakethebagfromher,shegrewveryangry.Iattractedherattentionbyshowinghermywatdlettingherholditinherhand.Instantlythetempestsubsided,aupstairstogether.HereIopehebag,athroughiteagerly,probablyexpegtofindsomethi.Friendshadprobablybroughtherdyintheirbags,andsheexpectedtofindsomeinmine.Imadeheruand,bypointingtoatrunkinthehallandtomyselfandnoddingmyhead,thatIhadatrunk,andthehesignthatshehadusedforeating,andnoddedagain.Sheuoodinaflashandrandownstairstotellhermother,bymeansofemphatis,thattherewassomedyinatrunkforher.Shereturnedinafewminutesandhelpedmeputawaymythings.Itwastooicaltoseeherputonmyboandcockherheadfirstononeside,thenoher,andlookinthemirror,justasifshecouldsee.Somehoectedtoseeapale,delicatechild--IsupposeIgottheideafromDr.HowesdescriptionofLauraBridgmanwhenshecametotheInstitution.ButtheresnothingpaleordelicateaboutHelen.Sheislarge,strong,andruddy,andasurainedinhermovementsasayoungcolt.Shehashosenervoushabitsthataresonoticeableandsodistressinginblindchildren.Herbodyiswellformedandvigorous,andMrs.Kellersaysshehasnotbeenilladaysiheillhatdeprivedherhtandhearing.Shehasafinehead,anditissetonhershouldersjustright.
Herfaceishardtodescribe.Itisintelligent,butlacksmobility,orsoul,orsomething.Hermouthislargeandfinelyshaped.Youseeataglasheisblind.Oneeyeislargerthaher,andprotrudesnoticeably.
Sherarelysmiles;indeed,IhaveseenhersmileonlyowiceIcame.Sheisunresponsiveandevenimpatientofcaressesfromanyoneexcepthermother.Sheisveryquick-temperedandwilful,andnobody,exceptherbrotherJames,hasattemptedtotrolher.ThegreatestproblemIshallhavetosolveishowtodisciplineandtrolherwithoutbreakingherspirit.Ishallgoratherslowlyatfirstandtrytowinherlove.IshallnotattempttoquerherbyforcealoIshallinsistonreasonableobedienthestart.OhingthatimpresseseverybodyisHelenstirelessactivity.Sheisillamoment.Sheishere,there,andeverywhere.Herhandsareihing;butnothingholdsherattenti.Dearchild,herrestlessspiritgropesinthedark.Heruntaught,unsatisfiedharoywhatevertheytouchbecausetheydonotknowwhatelsetodowiththings.
Shehelpedmeunpackmytrucame,andwasdelightedwhenshefoundthedollthelittlegirlssehoughtitagoodopportunitytoteachherherfirstword.Ispelled"d-o-l-l"slowlyinherhandandpoihedollandnoddedmyhead,whichseemstobehersignforpossession.Wheneveranybodygivesheranything,shepointstoit,thentoherself,andnodsherhead.Shelookedpuzzledamyhand,aedtheletters.Sheimitatedthemveryoihedoll.ThenItookthedoll,meaningtogiveitbacktoherwhenshehadmadetheletters;butshethoughtImeanttotakeitfromher,andinaninstantshewasinatemper,andtriedtoseizethedoll.Ishookmyheadandtriedtoformtheletterswithherfingers;butshegotmoreandmry.IforcedherintoachairandheldherthereuntilIwasnearlyexhausted.Thenitoccurredtomethatitwasuselesstotihestruggle--Imustdosomethingtoturnthecurrentofherthoughts.Ilethergo,butrefusedtogiveupthedoll.Iwentdownstairsandgotsomecake(sheisveryfondofsweets).IshowedHelenthecakeandspelled"c-a-k-e"inherhand,holdingthecaketowardher.Ofcourseshewaandtriedtotakeit;butIspelledthewainandpattedherhand.Shemadethelettersrapidly,andIgaveherthecake,whichsheateihurry,thinking,Isuppose,thatImighttakeitfromher.ThenIshowedherthedollandspelledthewain,holdingthedolltowardherasIheldthecake.Shemadetheletters"d-o-l"andImadetheother"l"andgaveherthedoll.Sherandownstairswithitandcouldnotbeioreturntomyroomallday.
YesterdayIgaveherasewing-cardtodo.Imadethefirstrowofverticallinesaherfeelitandnoticethattherewereseveralrowsoflittleholes.Shebegantoworkdelightedlyandfihecardinafewminutes,anddiditverylyihoughtIwouldtryanotherword;soIspelled"c-a-r-d."Shemadethe"c-a,"thenstoppedandthought,andmakingthesigingandpointingdownwardshepushedmetowardthedoor,meaningthatImustgodownstairsforsomecake.Thetwoletters"c-a,"yousee,hadremindedherofFridays"lesson"--notthatshehadahatcakewasthehething,butitwassimplyamatterofassociation,Isuppose.Ifiheword"c-a-k-e"andobeyedherand.Shewasdelighted.ThenIspelled"d-o-l-l"aohuntforit.Shefollowswithherhandseverymotionyoumake,andshekhatIwaslookingforthedoll.Shepointeddown,meaningthatthedollwasdownstairs.Imadethesignsthatshehadusedwhenshewishedmetogoforthecake,andpushedhertowardthedoor.Shestartedforward,theatedamoment,evidentlydebatingwithinherselfwhethershewouldgoornot.Shedecidedtoseead.Ishookmyheadandspelled"d-o-l-l"moreemphatically,ahedoorforher;butsheobstinatelyrefusedtoobey.Shehadnotfihecakeshewaseating,andItookitaway,indigthatifshebroughtthedollIwouldgiveherbackthecake.Shestoodperfectlystillforonelongmoment,herfacecrimson;thenherdesireforthecaketriumphed,andsherandownstairsandbroughtthedoll,andofcaveherthecake,butcouldnotpersuadehertoeheroomagain.
Shewasverytroublesomewheowritethism.Shekeptingupbehindmeandputtingherhandonthepaperandintotheink-bottle.Theseblotsareherhandiwork.FinallyIrememberedthekindergartenbeads,ahertoworkstringingthem.FirstIputontwowoodenbeadsandoneglassbead,thenmadeherfeelofthestringawoboxesofbeads.Shenoddedandbeganatoofillthestringwithwoodenbeads.Ishookmyheadandtookthemalloffandmadeherfeelofthetwowoodenbeadsandtheoneglassbead.Sheexamihemthoughtfullyandbeganagain.Thistimesheputontheglassbeadfirstawowoodeno.Itookthemoffandshowedherthatthetwowoodenonesmustgoonfirst,thentheglassbead.Shehadnofurthertroubleandfilledthestringquickly,tooquickly,infact.Shetiedtheendstogetherwhenshehadfihestring,andputthebeadsroundherneck.Ididnotmakethekneenoughistring,andthebeadscameoffasfastassheputthemon;butshesolvedthedifficultyherselfbyputtiringthroughabeadandtyingit.Ithoughtthisveryclever.Sheamusedherselfwiththebeadsuntildiime,bringiringstomenowandthenformyapproval.
Myeyesareverymuflamed.Iknowthisletterisverycarelesslywritten.Ihadalottosay,andcouldntstoptothinkhowtoexpressthily.Pleasedonotshowmylettertoanyone.Ifyouwantto,youmayreadittomyfriends.
MondayP.M.
IhadabattleroyalwithHelenthism.AlthoughItryveryhardnottoforceissues,Ifinditverydifficulttoavoidthem.
Helenstablemannersareappalling.Sheputsherhandsinourplatesandhelpsherself,ahedishesarepassed,shegrabsthemandtakesoutwhatevershewants.ThismIwouldherputherhandinmyplate.Shepersisted,andatestofwillsfollowed.Naturallythefamilywasmuchdisturbed,aheroom.Ilockedthedining-roomdoor,andproceededtoeatmybreakfast,thoughthefoodalmoste.
Helenwaslyingonthefloor,kigandscreamingandtryingtopullmychairfromunderme.Shekeptthisupforhalfanhour,theuptoseewhatIwasdoing.IletherseethatIwaseating,butdidherputherhandie.Shepinchedme,andIslappedhereverytimeshedidit.Theallrouabletoseewhowasthere,andfindingme,sheseemedbewildered.Afterafewminutesshecamebacktoherpladbegaherbreakfastwithherfingers.Igaveheraspoon,whichshethrewonthefloor.Iforcedheroutofthechairandmadeherpickitup.FinallyIsucceedediingherbaherchairagain,ahespooninherhand,pelliakeupthefoodwithitandputitinhermouth.Inafewminutessheyieldedandfinishedherbreakfastpeaceably.Thenwehadaussleoverfoldinghernapkin.Whenshehadfinished,shethrewitonthefloorandrantowardthedoor.Findingitlocked,shebegantokidscreamallain.ItwasanotherhourbeforeIsucceedediinghernapkinfolded.Theheroutintothewarmsunshineauptomyroomandthrewmyselfonthebedexhausted.Ihadagooddfeltbetter.IsupposeIshallhavemanysuchbattleswiththelittlewomanbeforeshelearnstheonlytwoessentialthingsIteachher,obediendlove.
Good-by,dear.Dontworry;Illdomybestaheresttowhateverpowermahatwhichweot.IlikeMrs.Kellerverymuch.
Tuscumbia,Alabama,March11,1887.
SinceIwroteyou,HelenandIhavegooliveallbyourselvesinalittlegarden-houseaboutaquarterofamilefromherhome,onlyashortdistanIvyGreen,theKellerhomestead.IverysoonmadeupmymindthatIcoulddonothingwithHeleninthemidstofthefamily,whohavealwaysallowedhertodoexactlyasshepleased.Shehastyrannizedovereverybody,hermother,herfather,theservants,thelittledarkieswhoplaywithher,andnobodyhadeverseriouslydisputedherwill,exceptoccasionallyherbrotherJames,untilIcame;andlikealltyrantssheholdstenaciouslytoherdivinerighttodoasshepleases.Ifsheeverfailedtogetwhatshewawasbecauseofherinabilitytomakethevassalsofherhouseholduandwhatitwas.
Everythwarteddesirewasthesignalforapassioburst,andasshegrewolderandstrohesetempestsbecamemoreviolent.AsIbegantoteachher,Iwasbesetbymanydifficulties.Shewouldntyieldapointwithouttestingittothebitterend.Icouldntcoaxherorpromisewithher.Togethertodothesimplestthing,suchasbingherhairorwashingherhandsorbuttoningherboots,itwasnecessarytouseford,ofcourse,adistressingsefollowed.Thefamilynaturallyfeltinedtointerfere,especiallyherfather,whootbeartoseehercry.Sotheywereallwillingtogiveinforthesakeofpeace.Besides,herpastexperiendassociationswereallagainstme.Isawclearlythatitwasuselesstotrytoteachherlanguageoranythingelseuntilshelearoobeyme.Ihavethoughtaboutitagreatdeal,andthemoreIthink,themorecertainIamthatobediehegatewaythroughwhiowledge,yes,andlove,too,ehemindofthechild.AsIwroteyou,Imeanttogoslowlyatfirst.IhadahatIcouldwintheloveandfidenylittlepupilbythesamemeansthatIshoulduseifshecouldseeandhear.ButIsoonfoundthat松语文学www.16sy.coM免费小说阅读
Dr.SamuelGridleyHowewasborninBoston,November10,1801,anddiedinBoston,January9,1876.Hewasagreatphilanthropist,iedespeciallyintheeducationofalldefectives,thefeeble-miheblind,andthedeaf.Farinadvanceofhistimeheadvocatedmanypublicmeasuresforthereliefofthepoorandthediseased,forwhichhewaslaughedatthen,butwhichhavesincebeenputintopractice.AsheadofthePerkinsInstitutionfortheBlindinBoston,heheardofLauraBridgmanandhadherbroughttotheInstitutiononOctober4,1837.
LauraBridgmanwasbornatHanover,Neshire,December21,1829;soshewasalmosteightyearsoldwhenDr.Howebeganhisexperimentswithher.Attheageoftwenty-sixmonthsscarletfeverleftherwithoutsightorhearing.Shealsolosthersenseofsmellandtaste.Dr.HoweerimentalstistandhadinhimthespiritofNewEnglandtransdentalismwithitslargefaithandlargecharities.SdfaithtogetherledhimtotrytomakehiswayintothesoulwhichhebelievedwasborninLauraBridgmanasiherhumanbeing.HisplanwastoteachLaurabymeansofraisedtypes.Hepastedraisedlabelsosandmadeherfitthelabelstotheobjedtheobjectstothelabels.Whenshehadlearhiswaytoassociateraisedwordswiththings,inmuchthesamemanner,hesays,asadoglearnstricks,hebegantoresolvethewordsintotheirletterelementsandtoteachhertoputtogether"k-e-y,""c-a-p."Hissuccessvincedhimthatlanguagebeveyedthroughtypetothemindoftheblind-deafchild,who,beforeeducation,isieofthebabywhohasnotlearoprattle;indeed,isinamuchworsestate,forthebrainhasgrowninyearswithoutnaturalnourishment.
AfterLauraseducationhadprogressedfortwomonthswiththeuseonlyofraisedletters,Dr.Howesentoneofhisteacherstolearnthemanualalphabetfromadeaf-mute.ShetaughtittoLaura,andfromthattimeonthemanualalphabetwasthemeansofunigwithher.
AfterthefirstyearortwoDr.HowedidnotteachLauraBridgmanhimself,butgaveherovertootherteachers,whounderhisdirecarriedontheworkofteagherlanguage.
ToomunotbesaidinpraiseofDr.Howeswork.Asaigatorhekeptalwaysthestistsattitude.HeneverfottokeephisrecordsofLauraBridgmaninthefashionofonewhoworksinalaboratory.Theresultis,hisrecordsofheraresystematidcareful.FromastifidpointitisunfortuitossibletokeepsupleterecordofHelenKellersdevelopment.ThisinitselfisagreatentonthediffereweenLauraBridgmanandHelenKeller.Lauraalwaysremainedaofcuriousstudy.HelenKellerbecamesorapidlyadistinctivepersonalitythatshekeptherteacherihlessraeettheneedsofherpupil,withnotimethtomakeastificstudy.
Insomewaysthisisunfortunate.MissSullivahebeginningthatHelenKellerwouldbemoreiingandsuccessfulthanLauraBridgman,andsheexpressesinoneofherletterstheneedofkeepingnotes.Buthertemperamentnortrainingallowedhertomakeherpupiltheobjectofanyexperimentorobservationwhichdidnothelpinthechildsdevelopment.Assoonasathingwasdone,adefinitegoalpassed,theteacherdidnotalwayslookbaddescribethewayshehade.Theexplanationofthefactwasunimportantparedtothefactitselfandtheneedofhurryingon.TherearetwootherreasonswhyMissSullivansrecordsareinplete.Ithasalwaysbeenaseveretaxoowrite,andshewasearlydiscedfrompublishingdatabytheinaccurateusemadeofwhatsheatfirstsupplied.
WhenshefirstwrotefromTuscumbiatoMr.MichaelAnagnos,Dr.Howesson-in-lawandhissuccessorasDirectorofthePerkinsInstitution,aboutherworkwithherpupil,theBostonpapersbeganatoopublishexaggeratedatsofHelenKeller.MissSullivanprotested.IerdatedApril10,1887,onlyfiveweeksaftershewenttoHelenKeller,shewrotetoafriend:"--sentmeaBostonHeraldtainingastupidarticleaboutHelen.HowperfectlyabsurdtosaythatHelenisalreadytalkingfluently!Why,onemightjustaswellsaythatatwo-year-oldchildversesfluentlywhenhesaysapplegive,orbabywalkgo.Isupposeifyouincludedhisscreaming,crowing,whimpering,grunting,squalling,withoccasionalkicks,inhisversation,itmightberegardedasfluent--eveneloquent.
ThenitisamusingtoreadoftheelaboratepreparationIunderwenttofitmefreattaskmyfrierustedtome.Iamsorrythatpreparationdidntincludespelling,itwouldhavesavedmesuchalotoftrouble.”
OnMarch4,1888,shewritesier:"Indeed,IamheartilygladthatIdontknowallthatisbeingsaidandwrittenaboutHelenandmyself.IassureyouIknowquiteenough.Nearlyeverymailbringssomeabsurdstatement,printedorwrittehisnotwonderfulenoughtosuittheneers;sotheyenlargeuponitandiridibellishments.OnepaperhasHelendemonstratingproblemsirybymeansofherplayingblocks.Iexpecttohearhatshehaswritteiseontheinandfutureoftheplas!”
InDecember,1887,appearedthefirstreportoftheDirectorofthePerkinsInstitution,whichdealswithHelenKeller.ForthisreportMissSullivanprepared,iantpliahtherequestofMr.Anagnos,anatofherwork.Thiswiththeextractsfromherletters,scatteredthroughthereport,isthefirstvalidsourceofinformationaboutHelenKeller.OfthisreportMissSullivanwroteierdatedOctober30,1887:"HaveyouseenthepaperIwroteforthereport?Mr.Anagnoswasdelightedwithit.HesaysHelensprogresshasbeenatriumphalmarthebeginning,andhehasmanyflatteringthingstosayaboutherteacher.Ithinkheisinedtoexaggerate;atallevents,hislanguageistooglowing,andsimplefactsaresetforthinsuchamahattheybewilderone.Doubtlesstheworkofthepastfewmonthsdoesseemlikeatriumphalmar;butthenpeopleseldomseethehaltingandpainfulstepsbywhichthemostinsignifitsuccessisachieved.”
AsMr.Anagnoswastheheadofagreatinstitution,whathesaidhadmuchmoreeffectthasinMissSullivansatonwhichhebasedhisstatements.TheneerscaughtMr.Anagnossspiritandexaggeratedahundred-fold.InayearaftershefirstwenttoHelenKeller,MissSullivanfoundherselfandherpupilthetreofastupendousfi.Thentheeducatorsallovertheworldsaidtheirsayandforthemostpartdidnothelpmatters.Theregrewupamassoftroversialmatterwhichitisamusingtoreadnow.
TeachersofthedeafprovedapriorithatwhatMissSullivanhaddonecouldnotbe,andsomediscreditwasreflectedoatements,becausetheyweresurrouhevagueeloquenr.Anagnos.ThusthestoryofHelenKeller,incrediblewhentoldwithmoderation,hadthemisfortuobeheraldedbyexaggeratedannous,andnaturallymeteitheranignorantcredulityoranincreduloushostility.
InNovember,1888,anotherreportofthePerkinsInstitutionappearedwithasedpaperbyMissSullivan,ahingofficialublisheduntilNovember,1891,whenMr.AnagnosissuedthelastPerkinsInstitutiotaininganythingaboutHelenKeller.ForthisreportMissSullivanwrotethefullestandlargestatshehaseverwritten;andinthisreportappearedthe"FrostKing,"whichisdiscussedfullyinalaterchapter.Theroversywaxedfiercerthanever.
FindingthatotherpeopleseemedtoknowsomuchmoreaboutHelenKellerthanshedid,MissSullivasilentandhasbeefortenyears,exceptforherpaperinthefirstvoltaBureauSouvenirofHelenKellerandthepaperwhich,atDr.Bellsrequest,shepreparedin1894forthemeetingatChautauquaoftheAmeriAssociationtoPromotetheTeagofSpeechtotheDeaf.WhenDr.Bellandotherstellher,whatiscertainlytruefromanimpersonalpointofview,thatsheowesittothecauseofeducationtowritewhatsheknows,sheanswersveryproperlythatsheowesallhertimeandallherenergiestoherpupil.
AlthoughMissSullivanisstillratheramusedthandistressedwhensomeone,evenoneofherfriends,makesmistakesinpublishedarticlesaboutherandMissKeller,stillsheseesthatMissKellersbookshouldincludealltheinformationthattheteachercouldatpresentfurnish.Soshesehepublicatioractsfromletterswhichshewroteduringthefirstyearofherworkwithherpupil.TheseletterswerewrittentoMrs.SophiaC.Hopkins,theonlypersontowhomMissSullivaneverwrotefreely.Mrs.HopkinshasbeenamatronatthePerkinsInstitutionfortwentyyears,andduriimethatMissSullivanilthereshewaslikeamothertoher.IntheseletterswehaveanalmostweeklyreissSullivanswork.Someofthedetailsshehadfotten,asshegrewmoreandmeneralize.ManypeoplehavethoughtthatanyattempttofindtheprinciplesihodwouldbenothingbutalatertheorysuperimposedonMissSullivanswork.Butitisevidentthatintheselettersshewasmakingaclearanalysisofwhatshewasdoing.
Shewasherowncritidinspiteofherlaterdeclaration,madewithhermodestcarelesshatshefollowednoparticularmethod,shewasveryclearlylearningfromhertaskandphrasingatthetimeprinciplesofeducationofuniquevaluenotonlyieagofthedeafbutieagofallchildreractsfromherlettersasformanimportanttributiontopedagogy,andmorethanjustifytheopinionofDr.DanielC.Gilman,whowrotein1893,whenheresidentofJohnsHopkinsUy:"Ihavejustread...yourmostiingatofthevariousstepsyouhavetakenintheeducationofyourwonderfulpupil,andIhopeyouwillallowmetoexpressmyadmirationforthewisdomthathasguidedyourmethodsandtheaffewhichhasinspiredyourlabours.”
MissAnneMansfieldSullivanwasbornatSpringfield,Massachusetts.Veryearlyinherlifeshebecamealmosttotallyblind,aeredthePerkinsInstitutionOctober7,1880,whenshewasfourteenyearsold.
Laterhersightartiallyrestored.
Mr.Anagnossaysinhisreportof1887:"Shewasobligedtobeginhereducationatthelowestandmostelementarypoint;butsheshowedfromtheverystartthatshehadinherselfthefordcapacitywhisuresuccess....Shehasfinallyreachedthegoalforwhichshestrovesobravely.ThegoldenwordsthatDr.
Howeutteredandtheexamplethatheleftpassedihoughtsaandhelpedherontheroadtousefulness;andnowshestandsbyhissideashisworthysuccessorihemostcherishedbranchesofhiswork....MissSullivanstalentsareofthehighestorder.”
In1886shegraduatedfromthePerkinsInstitution.WhenCaptainKellerappliedtothedirectorforateacher,Mr.Anagnosreendedher.TheonlytimeshehadtoprepareherselffortheworkwithherpupilwasfromAugust,1886,whenCaptainKellerwrote,toFebruary,1887.DuringthistimeshereadDr.Howesreports.ShewasfurtheraidedbythefactthatduringthesixyearsofherschoollifeshehadlivedinthehousewithLauraBridgman.ItwasDr.Howewho,byhisworkwithLauraBridgman,madeMissSullivansworkpossible:butitwasMissSullivanwhodiscoveredthewaytoteaguagetothedeaf-blind.
ItmustberememberedthatMissSullivanhadtosolveherproblemsunaidedbypreviousexperieheassistanceofanyotherteacher.DuringthefirstyearofherworkwithHelenKeller,inwhichshetaughtherpupillanguage,theywereinTuscumbia;aheyorthandvisitedthePerkinsInstitution,HelenKellerwasneveraregularstudentthereorsubjecttothediscipliheInstitution.TheimpressionthatMissSullivaneducatedHelenKeller"uhedirer.Anagnos"iserroneous.IhreeyearsduringwhichatvarioustimesMissKellerandMissSullivanwereguestsofthePerkinsInstitutioeacherstheredidnothelpMissSullivan,andMr.Anagnosdidnotevehemanualalphabetwithfacilityasameansofunir.AnagnoswroteinthereportofthePerkinsInstitution,datedNovember27,1888:"Atmyurgentrequest,Helen,apaniedbyhermotheraeacher,cametotheNorthiweekofMay,aseveralmonthswithusasuests....Wegladlyallowedhertousefreelyourlibraryofembossedbooks,ourcolleofstuffedanimals,sea-shells,modelsofflolants,aofourapparatusforinstrugtheblindthroughtheseouch.Idonotdoubtthatshederivedfromthemmuchpleasureandnotalittleprofit.ButwhetherHelenstaysathomeormakesvisitsinotherpartsofthetry,hereducationisalwaysuheimmediatedireandexclusivetrolofherteacher.erfereswithMissSullivansplans,orsharesiasks.Shehasbeenallowedentirefreedominthechoieansahodsforcarryingreatwork;and,aswejudgebytheresults,shehasmadeamostjudiciousanddiscreetuseofthisprivilege.Whatthelittlepupilhasthusfaraplishediswidelyknown,andherwonderfulattaisandgeneraladmiration;butonlythosewhoarefamiliarwiththeparticularsofthegrandachievementknowthatthecreditislargelyduetotheintelligence,wisdom,sagacity,uingperseverandunbendingwilloftheinstructress,whorescuedthechildfromthedepthsofeverlastingnightandstillness,andwatchedoverthedifferentphasesofhermentalandmoraldevelopmentwithmaternalsolicitudeahusiasticdevotion.”
HerefollowinorderMissSullivaersaimportantpassagesfromthereports.Ihaveomittedfromeachsucceediwhathasalreadybeenexplainedaoberepeated.FortheeaseofthereaderIhave,withMissSullivanssent,madetheextractsruhertinuouslyandsuppliedwordsofeandtheresultingnecessarygesinsyntax,andMissSullivanhasmadeslightgesinthephrasingofherreportsandalsoofherletters,whichwerecarelesslywritten.Ihavealsoitalicizedafewimportantpassages.SomeofheropinionsMissSullivanwouldliketoenlargeandrevise.Thatremainsforhertodoataime.Atpresentwehaveherethefullestrecordthathasbeenpublished.ThefirstletterisdatedMarch6,1887,threedaysafterherarrivalinTuscumbia.
...Itwas6.30whenIreachedTuscumbia.IfoundMrs.KellerandMr.JamesKellerwaitingforme.Theysaidsomebodyhadmeteverytrainfortwodays.Thedrivefromthestationtothehouse,adistanile,wasverylovelyaful.IwassurprisedtofindMrs.Kelleraveryyoung-lookingwoman,notmucholderthanmyself,Ishouldthink.CaptainKellermetusintheyardandgavemeacheeryweleayhandshake.Myfirstquestionwas,"WhereisHelen?"ItriedwithallmymighttotroltheeagerhatmademetremblesothatIcouldhardlywalk.AsroachedthehouseIsawachildstandinginthedoorway,andCaptainKellersaid,"Theresheis.Shehasknownalldaythatsomeoneected,andshehasbeenwildeversiherwenttothestationforyou."Ihadscarcelyputmyfootoeps,whensherushedtowardmewithsuchforcethatshewouldhavethrownmebackwardifCaptainKellerhadnotbeenbehindme.Shefeltmyfaddressandmybag,whichshetookoutofmyhandandtriedtoopen.Itdidnotopeneasily,acarefullytoseeiftherewasakeyhole.Findingthattherewas,sheturome,makingthesignakeyandpointingtothebag.HermotherinterferedatthispointandshowedHelenbysignsthatshemustnottouchthebag.Herfaceflushed,andwheherattemptedtotakethebagfromher,shegrewveryangry.Iattractedherattentionbyshowinghermywatdlettingherholditinherhand.Instantlythetempestsubsided,aupstairstogether.HereIopehebag,athroughiteagerly,probablyexpegtofindsomethi.Friendshadprobablybroughtherdyintheirbags,andsheexpectedtofindsomeinmine.Imadeheruand,bypointingtoatrunkinthehallandtomyselfandnoddingmyhead,thatIhadatrunk,andthehesignthatshehadusedforeating,andnoddedagain.Sheuoodinaflashandrandownstairstotellhermother,bymeansofemphatis,thattherewassomedyinatrunkforher.Shereturnedinafewminutesandhelpedmeputawaymythings.Itwastooicaltoseeherputonmyboandcockherheadfirstononeside,thenoher,andlookinthemirror,justasifshecouldsee.Somehoectedtoseeapale,delicatechild--IsupposeIgottheideafromDr.HowesdescriptionofLauraBridgmanwhenshecametotheInstitution.ButtheresnothingpaleordelicateaboutHelen.Sheislarge,strong,andruddy,andasurainedinhermovementsasayoungcolt.Shehashosenervoushabitsthataresonoticeableandsodistressinginblindchildren.Herbodyiswellformedandvigorous,andMrs.Kellersaysshehasnotbeenilladaysiheillhatdeprivedherhtandhearing.Shehasafinehead,anditissetonhershouldersjustright.
Herfaceishardtodescribe.Itisintelligent,butlacksmobility,orsoul,orsomething.Hermouthislargeandfinelyshaped.Youseeataglasheisblind.Oneeyeislargerthaher,andprotrudesnoticeably.
Sherarelysmiles;indeed,IhaveseenhersmileonlyowiceIcame.Sheisunresponsiveandevenimpatientofcaressesfromanyoneexcepthermother.Sheisveryquick-temperedandwilful,andnobody,exceptherbrotherJames,hasattemptedtotrolher.ThegreatestproblemIshallhavetosolveishowtodisciplineandtrolherwithoutbreakingherspirit.Ishallgoratherslowlyatfirstandtrytowinherlove.IshallnotattempttoquerherbyforcealoIshallinsistonreasonableobedienthestart.OhingthatimpresseseverybodyisHelenstirelessactivity.Sheisillamoment.Sheishere,there,andeverywhere.Herhandsareihing;butnothingholdsherattenti.Dearchild,herrestlessspiritgropesinthedark.Heruntaught,unsatisfiedharoywhatevertheytouchbecausetheydonotknowwhatelsetodowiththings.
Shehelpedmeunpackmytrucame,andwasdelightedwhenshefoundthedollthelittlegirlssehoughtitagoodopportunitytoteachherherfirstword.Ispelled"d-o-l-l"slowlyinherhandandpoihedollandnoddedmyhead,whichseemstobehersignforpossession.Wheneveranybodygivesheranything,shepointstoit,thentoherself,andnodsherhead.Shelookedpuzzledamyhand,aedtheletters.Sheimitatedthemveryoihedoll.ThenItookthedoll,meaningtogiveitbacktoherwhenshehadmadetheletters;butshethoughtImeanttotakeitfromher,andinaninstantshewasinatemper,andtriedtoseizethedoll.Ishookmyheadandtriedtoformtheletterswithherfingers;butshegotmoreandmry.IforcedherintoachairandheldherthereuntilIwasnearlyexhausted.Thenitoccurredtomethatitwasuselesstotihestruggle--Imustdosomethingtoturnthecurrentofherthoughts.Ilethergo,butrefusedtogiveupthedoll.Iwentdownstairsandgotsomecake(sheisveryfondofsweets).IshowedHelenthecakeandspelled"c-a-k-e"inherhand,holdingthecaketowardher.Ofcourseshewaandtriedtotakeit;butIspelledthewainandpattedherhand.Shemadethelettersrapidly,andIgaveherthecake,whichsheateihurry,thinking,Isuppose,thatImighttakeitfromher.ThenIshowedherthedollandspelledthewain,holdingthedolltowardherasIheldthecake.Shemadetheletters"d-o-l"andImadetheother"l"andgaveherthedoll.Sherandownstairswithitandcouldnotbeioreturntomyroomallday.
YesterdayIgaveherasewing-cardtodo.Imadethefirstrowofverticallinesaherfeelitandnoticethattherewereseveralrowsoflittleholes.Shebegantoworkdelightedlyandfihecardinafewminutes,anddiditverylyihoughtIwouldtryanotherword;soIspelled"c-a-r-d."Shemadethe"c-a,"thenstoppedandthought,andmakingthesigingandpointingdownwardshepushedmetowardthedoor,meaningthatImustgodownstairsforsomecake.Thetwoletters"c-a,"yousee,hadremindedherofFridays"lesson"--notthatshehadahatcakewasthehething,butitwassimplyamatterofassociation,Isuppose.Ifiheword"c-a-k-e"andobeyedherand.Shewasdelighted.ThenIspelled"d-o-l-l"aohuntforit.Shefollowswithherhandseverymotionyoumake,andshekhatIwaslookingforthedoll.Shepointeddown,meaningthatthedollwasdownstairs.Imadethesignsthatshehadusedwhenshewishedmetogoforthecake,andpushedhertowardthedoor.Shestartedforward,theatedamoment,evidentlydebatingwithinherselfwhethershewouldgoornot.Shedecidedtoseead.Ishookmyheadandspelled"d-o-l-l"moreemphatically,ahedoorforher;butsheobstinatelyrefusedtoobey.Shehadnotfihecakeshewaseating,andItookitaway,indigthatifshebroughtthedollIwouldgiveherbackthecake.Shestoodperfectlystillforonelongmoment,herfacecrimson;thenherdesireforthecaketriumphed,andsherandownstairsandbroughtthedoll,andofcaveherthecake,butcouldnotpersuadehertoeheroomagain.
Shewasverytroublesomewheowritethism.Shekeptingupbehindmeandputtingherhandonthepaperandintotheink-bottle.Theseblotsareherhandiwork.FinallyIrememberedthekindergartenbeads,ahertoworkstringingthem.FirstIputontwowoodenbeadsandoneglassbead,thenmadeherfeelofthestringawoboxesofbeads.Shenoddedandbeganatoofillthestringwithwoodenbeads.Ishookmyheadandtookthemalloffandmadeherfeelofthetwowoodenbeadsandtheoneglassbead.Sheexamihemthoughtfullyandbeganagain.Thistimesheputontheglassbeadfirstawowoodeno.Itookthemoffandshowedherthatthetwowoodenonesmustgoonfirst,thentheglassbead.Shehadnofurthertroubleandfilledthestringquickly,tooquickly,infact.Shetiedtheendstogetherwhenshehadfihestring,andputthebeadsroundherneck.Ididnotmakethekneenoughistring,andthebeadscameoffasfastassheputthemon;butshesolvedthedifficultyherselfbyputtiringthroughabeadandtyingit.Ithoughtthisveryclever.Sheamusedherselfwiththebeadsuntildiime,bringiringstomenowandthenformyapproval.
Myeyesareverymuflamed.Iknowthisletterisverycarelesslywritten.Ihadalottosay,andcouldntstoptothinkhowtoexpressthily.Pleasedonotshowmylettertoanyone.Ifyouwantto,youmayreadittomyfriends.
MondayP.M.
IhadabattleroyalwithHelenthism.AlthoughItryveryhardnottoforceissues,Ifinditverydifficulttoavoidthem.
Helenstablemannersareappalling.Sheputsherhandsinourplatesandhelpsherself,ahedishesarepassed,shegrabsthemandtakesoutwhatevershewants.ThismIwouldherputherhandinmyplate.Shepersisted,andatestofwillsfollowed.Naturallythefamilywasmuchdisturbed,aheroom.Ilockedthedining-roomdoor,andproceededtoeatmybreakfast,thoughthefoodalmoste.
Helenwaslyingonthefloor,kigandscreamingandtryingtopullmychairfromunderme.Shekeptthisupforhalfanhour,theuptoseewhatIwasdoing.IletherseethatIwaseating,butdidherputherhandie.Shepinchedme,andIslappedhereverytimeshedidit.Theallrouabletoseewhowasthere,andfindingme,sheseemedbewildered.Afterafewminutesshecamebacktoherpladbegaherbreakfastwithherfingers.Igaveheraspoon,whichshethrewonthefloor.Iforcedheroutofthechairandmadeherpickitup.FinallyIsucceedediingherbaherchairagain,ahespooninherhand,pelliakeupthefoodwithitandputitinhermouth.Inafewminutessheyieldedandfinishedherbreakfastpeaceably.Thenwehadaussleoverfoldinghernapkin.Whenshehadfinished,shethrewitonthefloorandrantowardthedoor.Findingitlocked,shebegantokidscreamallain.ItwasanotherhourbeforeIsucceedediinghernapkinfolded.Theheroutintothewarmsunshineauptomyroomandthrewmyselfonthebedexhausted.Ihadagooddfeltbetter.IsupposeIshallhavemanysuchbattleswiththelittlewomanbeforeshelearnstheonlytwoessentialthingsIteachher,obediendlove.
Good-by,dear.Dontworry;Illdomybestaheresttowhateverpowermahatwhichweot.IlikeMrs.Kellerverymuch.
Tuscumbia,Alabama,March11,1887.
SinceIwroteyou,HelenandIhavegooliveallbyourselvesinalittlegarden-houseaboutaquarterofamilefromherhome,onlyashortdistanIvyGreen,theKellerhomestead.IverysoonmadeupmymindthatIcoulddonothingwithHeleninthemidstofthefamily,whohavealwaysallowedhertodoexactlyasshepleased.Shehastyrannizedovereverybody,hermother,herfather,theservants,thelittledarkieswhoplaywithher,andnobodyhadeverseriouslydisputedherwill,exceptoccasionallyherbrotherJames,untilIcame;andlikealltyrantssheholdstenaciouslytoherdivinerighttodoasshepleases.Ifsheeverfailedtogetwhatshewawasbecauseofherinabilitytomakethevassalsofherhouseholduandwhatitwas.
Everythwarteddesirewasthesignalforapassioburst,andasshegrewolderandstrohesetempestsbecamemoreviolent.AsIbegantoteachher,Iwasbesetbymanydifficulties.Shewouldntyieldapointwithouttestingittothebitterend.Icouldntcoaxherorpromisewithher.Togethertodothesimplestthing,suchasbingherhairorwashingherhandsorbuttoningherboots,itwasnecessarytouseford,ofcourse,adistressingsefollowed.Thefamilynaturallyfeltinedtointerfere,especiallyherfather,whootbeartoseehercry.Sotheywereallwillingtogiveinforthesakeofpeace.Besides,herpastexperiendassociationswereallagainstme.Isawclearlythatitwasuselesstotrytoteachherlanguageoranythingelseuntilshelearoobeyme.Ihavethoughtaboutitagreatdeal,andthemoreIthink,themorecertainIamthatobediehegatewaythroughwhiowledge,yes,andlove,too,ehemindofthechild.AsIwroteyou,Imeanttogoslowlyatfirst.IhadahatIcouldwintheloveandfidenylittlepupilbythesamemeansthatIshoulduseifshecouldseeandhear.ButIsoonfoundthat松语文学www.16sy.coM免费小说阅读
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