Themes in The Miracle Worker

A theme is a central idea, subject, or message in a story. Many stories have more than one important theme. For this activity, students will identify and illustrate the themes in The Miracle Worker.

Examples of Themes in The Miracle Worker

Perseverance

Annie Sullivan a perfect example of someone who refuses to give up. Even when she is hit, spit at, kicked, and told that Helen was unteachable, she did not give up on Helen.

Transformation

Helen Keller’s family desperately wants to transform their way of life with Helen, but they don’t know how. Annie wants to transform the family’s perception of Helen, as well teach her how to communicate and behave.

Perception and Judgement

The Kellers judge Annie when she first arrives, based on her age and where she is from. They also perceive Helen to be unteachable and because of her disabilities, do not treat her like a “normal” child.

Communication

The entire play revolves around the family’s inability to communicate with Helen. There is frustration, anger, and sadness. Annie’s goal is to teach Helen to communicate, and to teach the family to understand Helen.

Love

It is clear that the family loves each other deeply. Through all of the anger and challenges, they know that they must move on from what they know to be true and forge new relationships with one another. It is also clear that Annie loves Helen and her family.