The Story of My Life – Chapter 21
Helen Keller and Her Love for Books
In this chapter, Helen Keller explains the important role
that books played in her life and education. Since she could not gain knowledge
through sight and hearing like other people, books became her main source of
learning, pleasure, and understanding of the world.
Helen read her first connected story in May 1887 when she was
seven years old. From that time onward, she eagerly read every book that came
within the reach of her fingertips. In her early years, she had only a few
books in raised print, such as beginner readers, children's stories, and a
geography book called Our World. She read these books repeatedly until the
raised letters became worn out.
Although Miss Sullivan often read stories and poems to her by
spelling them into her hand, Helen preferred reading by herself. During her
first visit to Boston, she developed a serious interest in books. She spent
many hours in the library of the Perkins Institution, exploring books and
reading whatever she could find. Often, she understood only a few words on a
page, but the words themselves fascinated her and enriched her vocabulary.
Discovery of “Little Lord Fauntleroy”
The first book Helen truly understood and enjoyed was Little
Lord Fauntleroy. Before that, she had read many books without fully grasping
their meaning. One day, Miss Sullivan found her reading The Scarlet Letter and
suggested that she would enjoy Little Lord Fauntleroy even more.
The story was read to her during a summer afternoon while she
and Miss Sullivan sat together in a hammock beneath pine trees near the
seashore. As Miss Sullivan explained difficult words and ideas, Helen became
completely absorbed in the story. She loved the book so much that she later had
it embossed in raised print and read it again and again. It remained one of her
favourite books throughout her childhood.
Favourite Childhood Books
After discovering Little Lord Fauntleroy, Helen read many
other famous books, including Greek Heroes, Bible Stories, The Arabian Nights,
Robinson Crusoe, Little Women, Heidi, The Swiss Family Robinson, and Lamb’s
Tales from Shakespeare. She did not analyze these books critically but simply
enjoyed them and absorbed their ideas.
Among these books, Little Women held a special place in her
heart because it helped her feel connected to children who could see and hear.
Books opened a window to the outside world and helped her overcome the
limitations of her disability.
Love for Greek Literature
Helen was deeply fascinated by ancient Greece. She loved the
stories of Greek gods, heroes, and myths. Her imagination was filled with
images of nymphs, warriors, and legendary figures. Among all Greek works,
Homer’s Iliad became her favourite. It gave her a sense of freedom and lifted
her beyond the limitations of her physical condition.
She admired the grandeur, energy, and beauty of Greek
literature. Reading the Iliad filled her with joy and inspiration. Although she
also appreciated Virgil’s Aeneid, she preferred the vitality and power of
Homer’s poetry.
Attitude Towards the Bible
Helen began reading the Bible at an early age, but at first
she found it difficult to understand and appreciate. Stories such as Joseph and
his brothers failed to interest her when she was a child. Greek myths seemed
more exciting and attractive to her imagination.
As she grew older, however, she discovered the beauty,
wisdom, and spiritual depth of the Bible. She especially admired the stories of
Esther and Ruth. Esther’s courage and patriotism impressed her deeply, while
Ruth’s loyalty, kindness, and selfless love won her admiration. The Bible
eventually became one of her most treasured books and gave her comfort and
inspiration.
Appreciation of Shakespeare
Helen loved Shakespeare from an early age. She first
encountered his works through Lamb’s Tales from Shakespeare. The tragedies
Macbeth and King Lear made a strong impression on her. She vividly remembered
the witches, ghosts, and tragic scenes, which filled her imagination with
powerful emotions.
As she matured, she came to appreciate Shakespeare’s plays,
songs, and sonnets even more. Although literary critics often offered complex
interpretations, Helen preferred to enjoy Shakespeare directly and personally.
She believed that readers should experience great literature with their hearts
as well as their minds.
Interest in History
Next to poetry, Helen loved history. She read many historical
works and was fascinated by the rise and fall of civilizations, the
achievements of great leaders, and the progress of humanity. One of her
favourite books was Swinton’s World History, which she received on her
thirteenth birthday.
Through history, she learned how nations developed, how
civilizations advanced, and how liberty, education, and tolerance contributed
to human progress. History broadened her understanding of the world and
deepened her appreciation of human achievement.
Interest in French and German Literature
During her college years, Helen became familiar with French
and German literature. She admired German writers for their sincerity,
strength, and emphasis on truth. She especially appreciated the idea of
self-sacrificing love found in many German works.
Among French writers, she preferred Molière and Racine. She
also admired Victor Hugo’s genius and brilliance, although he was not among her
most beloved authors. Helen believed that great writers of every nation reveal
universal truths about beauty, goodness, and human nature.
Literature: Helen’s Utopia
Helen concludes the chapter by expressing her gratitude to
the many authors whose works enriched her life. She admired writers such as
Carlyle, Wordsworth, Hood, Herrick, Whittier, Mark Twain, Scott, and Lowell.
For Helen, literature was a perfect world—a Utopia where she
faced no barriers because of her blindness or deafness. Through books, she
could freely communicate with great minds across centuries and cultures. Her
book-friends spoke to her without awkwardness or pity, offering wisdom,
comfort, inspiration, and joy. She felt that the lessons learned from
literature were far more valuable than anything she could have gained through
ordinary experience.
