Describe Alexander Graham Bell's role in the life of Helen Keller?
Dr. Alexander Graham Bell was an inventor and a teacher of the deaf. Helen met him for the first time in Washington in the year 1886. This meeting was not only the beginning of a long friendship between Dr. Bell and Helen but it also proved to be the foundation of Helens education and life. In fact, Helen has dedicated her autobiographyThe Story of My Lifeto him. Helen mentions his sympathetic and tender nature that made her love him from her first visit itself. It was on his suggestion that Helens father wrote to Mr. Anagnos and subsequently found Miss Sullivan as a teacher.
Helen and Miss Sullivan were accompanied by Dr. Bell on their visit to the Worlds Fair in 1893. Helen also visited him at his home and laboratory. He appears to be a wonderful and patient teacher who could instil enthusiasm and interest in his students through his delightful explanations. Helen notes that Dr. Bell was a humourous person and a poet as well. Another endearing quality of Dr. Bell was his love for children, particularly the deaf.
This question is part of UPSC exam. View all Class 10 courses
Describe Alexander Graham Bell's role in the life of Helen Keller?
He was the inventor of telephone and other instruments. He took a lot of interest in teaching Helen and was her companion. Helen dedicated her book"the story of my life"to him. She spent many happy days with him at his home in Washington. He laboured a lot to help deaf children to overcome their disabilities.
Describe Alexander Graham Bell's role in the life of Helen Keller?
Alexander Graham Bell's Role in the Life of Helen Keller
Alexander Graham Bell played a significant role in the life of Helen Keller, a renowned American author, political activist, and lecturer who was both deaf and blind. Bell, a prominent inventor and scientist, became a mentor and lifelong friend to Keller, offering guidance and support that greatly influenced her personal and professional development.
Introduction to Alexander Graham Bell:
Alexander Graham Bell was a Scottish-born inventor and scientist who is best known for inventing the telephone. However, his contributions extended far beyond this groundbreaking invention. Bell was also an influential figure in the field of education for individuals with sensory impairments, particularly the deaf.
Meeting Helen Keller:
Bell first met Helen Keller when she was just six years old. Keller had lost her sight and hearing due to an illness at the age of 19 months, leaving her unable to communicate effectively. Bell, who was aware of Keller's challenging circumstances, saw immense potential in her and believed that she could overcome her disabilities with the right guidance and support.
Introducing Anne Sullivan:
Bell introduced Anne Sullivan, a skilled teacher who had experience working with visually impaired children, to Keller and her family. Sullivan, who eventually became Keller's lifelong companion and teacher, played a significant role in teaching Keller how to communicate using sign language and touch-based methods.
Supporting Helen Keller's Education:
Bell provided financial support to Keller's family, enabling them to afford the services of Anne Sullivan. He also offered guidance and advice regarding Keller's education, constantly encouraging her to pursue her studies and develop her intellectual abilities.
Assisting with Communication Technology:
Being the inventor of the telephone, Bell was familiar with communication technology. He actively searched for and introduced Keller to various devices and methods that could enhance her ability to communicate with others. For example, he introduced her to the Tadoma method, where deaf individuals can understand spoken words by placing their fingers on a speaker's lips and throat to feel the vibrations.
Continued Support and Friendship:
Throughout Keller's life, Bell remained a close friend and supporter. He regularly corresponded with her, providing advice, encouragement, and inspiration. Bell's belief in Keller's potential and his unwavering support played a crucial role in empowering her to become a renowned advocate for people with disabilities.
In conclusion, Alexander Graham Bell played a vital role in Helen Keller's life by introducing her to Anne Sullivan, supporting her education, assisting with communication technology, and offering ongoing guidance and friendship. His belief in her abilities and dedication to her success greatly influenced Keller's personal and professional achievements, making him an integral part of her remarkable journey.
To make sure you are not studying endlessly, EduRev has designed Class 10 study material, with Structured Courses, Videos, & Test Series. Plus get personalized analysis, doubt solving and improvement plans to achieve a great score in Class 10.