By smartcubs Mildred Keller, the younger sister of Helen Keller, is a minor yet significant character in Helen’s autobiography, “The Story of My Life.” Mildred’s presence and interactions with Helen provide insight into Helen’s family dynamics and the support system that played a crucial role in her development.
Early Relationship
- Jealousy and Rivalry: Initially, Helen felt jealous of Mildred. Before Mildred’s birth, Helen received all the attention from their parents. The arrival of Mildred shifted some of this attention, leading Helen to view her as an intruder.
- Sibling Tension: A notable incident from their early years is when Helen discovered Mildred sleeping in her doll’s cradle. In a fit of jealousy, Helen overturned the cradle, but fortunately, their mother caught Mildred in time.
Growing Bond
- Mutual Understanding: As time passed, the bond between the sisters grew stronger. Although Mildred could not understand Helen’s finger language initially, they developed a unique way of communicating and understanding each other.
- Supportive Relationship: Mildred’s alertness and quick thinking often came to the rescue. An example of this is when they got lost in the woods while gathering persimmons. Mildred’s observation skills helped them find their way back home safely.
Characteristics
- Alert and Observant: Mildred’s keen sense of observation is highlighted during their adventure at Fern Quarry, where she noticed a train coming towards them and warned Helen, saving them both from potential danger.
- Compassionate and Caring: Despite their early rivalry, Mildred’s actions show her caring nature. Her ability to grow from a source of jealousy to a pillar of support for Helen demonstrates her maturity and understanding.
Impact on Helen
- Inspiration and Encouragement: Mildred’s presence in Helen’s life served as both a challenge and a source of inspiration. Helen’s efforts to communicate and bond with her sister contributed to her own growth and determination to overcome obstacles.
Table of Characteristics
| Trait | Description |
|---|---|
| Jealousy | Felt initially due to the shift in parental attention. |
| Observant | Displayed alertness in critical situations, such as noticing the approaching train. |
| Caring | Developed a supportive and understanding relationship with Helen. |
| Compassionate | Grew from rivalry to a deep bond of sisterhood, showing maturity and empathy. |
| Inspirational | Played a role in Helen’s personal growth and determination by being both a challenge and support. |
Mildred Keller’s character, though not as prominent as Helen’s, is crucial in understanding the familial environment that shaped Helen’s journey. Her evolution from a rival to a supportive sister adds depth to the narrative of overcoming adversity and building strong, supportive relationships.