Answer the following question based on prescribed novel text for extended reading in about 200- 250 words.

The Story of My Life

(i) In the life of Helen Keller, Ms. Anne Sullivan acts as an inspiration behind her extraordinary life. Justify with suitable instances from the text.

OR

(ii) Give a pen portrait of Dr. Alexender Graham Bell.

(i) Ms. Anne Sullivan played a vital role in shaping the life of Helen Keller. From the autobiography, ‘The story of my life’, it’s evident how Ms. Sullivan constantly encouraged Helen to think positively and lead a meaningful life. She was Helen’s lifeline, a constant hope towards a successful future. Ms. Sullivan had an innovative way of teaching which liberated the disabled Helen Keller. Right from the time when Ms. Sullivan arrived at the Keller household in the March of 1887, Helen’s dull and inactive life became cheerful with activity. Helen’s frustration, initial failures never mattered to Ms. Sullivan. Patiently and lovingly Ms. Sullivan attended to Helen’s needs. Helen gradually learnt to communicate using her fingers. Later, she went on to successfully finish her academics at various institutes under the able guidance of Ms. Sullivan. Through poems and stories, nature trails, and water sports Ms. Sullivan enriched Helen’s life. Helen owes her success in articulating speech sounds to Ms. Sullivan’s untiring efforts and indomitable dedication. Helen’s remarkable life would have been impossible without Ms. Sullivan and her constant support.

OR

(ii) Dr. Alexander Graham Bell was an inventor and a teacher to the deaf. In 1886, when Helen was six years old, she met Dr. Alexander Graham Bell for the first time in Washington. The meeting impacted Helen’s life and her education considerably. Also, a bond of friendship developed between the two. Later, when Helen released her autobiography ‘The story of my life’ she dedicated it to Dr. Alexander Graham Bell. The great man’s sympathetic nature and positive attitude touched Helen. In fact, on his suggestion, Helen’s father, Arthur H. Keller contacted Mr. Anagnos who referred Ms. Sullivan. Dr. Alexander Graham Bell and Ms. Sullivan accompanied Helen to the World’s Fair in 1893. Helen would also enjoy visiting the inventor in his laboratory. She was interested in his work and saw telephones, autophones and other inventions. She loved his style and way of explaining to the students. He wrote poems, loved being with children, cared for the deaf and filled each life with cheer and humour. He opened the Volta Bureau for the hearing impaired. Dr. Alexander Graham Bell was an incredible man and he remained friends with Helen throughout his life.