Question

The water pump is shown and mentioned frequently in The Miracle Worker. What does it represent?

I know that this is Helen's favorite place, and it's where she finally learns the meaning of words but I can't get further than that...I have to write an interpretive essay on it so please help.

Thanks
-MC
Ms. Sue
The water pump is the link between what Helen remembered from her first year and a half of life. As a normal toddler, she understood many words and said a few of them. One of these words was "wahwah," water.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Miracle_Worker