The point of view in the excerpt allows readers to learn what Helen is thinking and feeling when she discovers language. Through her introspective account of the moment she connects the word "water" with the experience of feeling the cool stream, readers gain insight into her emotional transformation and the significance of that breakthrough in communication for her.
We walked down the path to the well-house, attracted by the fragrance of the honeysuckle with which it was covered. Some one was drawing water and my teacher placed my hand under the spout. As the cool stream gushed over one hand she spelled into the other the word water, first slowly, then rapidly. I stood still, my whole attention fixed upon the motions of her fingers. Suddenly I felt a misty consciousness as of something forgotten—a thrill of returning thought; and somehow the mystery of language was revealed to me. I knew then that "w-a-t-e-r" meant the wonderful cool something that was flowing over my hand. That living word awakened my soul, gave it light, hope, joy, set it free! There were barriers still, it is true, but barriers that could in time be swept away.
What does the point of view in the excerpt allow readers to learn?
It allows readers to learn how much Annie Sullivan wants to teach Helen about language.
It allows readers to learn how to spell water in sign language.
It allows readers to learn what Helen is thinking and feeling when she discovers language.
It allows readers to learn what Helen is thinking and feeling when she discovers water.
1 answer