The Miracle Worker

The Miracle Worker

Year: 1962

Runtime: 106 min

Language: English

Director: Arthur Penn

BiographyDrama

A young girl is both blind and deaf, making communication with the outside world incredibly difficult. As a result, she has become increasingly frustrated and displays violent behavior. Her parents, searching for a solution beyond institutionalization, bring in Anne Sullivan, a determined teacher who strives to reach the girl and unlock her ability to connect with the world around her.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – The Miracle Worker (1962)

Trace every key event in The Miracle Worker (1962) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Helen's Birth

On a night in 1882, Captain and Mrs. Keller anxiously await the fate of their newborn daughter, Helen. After a doctor's examination, they learn with joy that she will recover from her illness, unaware that the crisis has left her blind and deaf.

1882 Alabama home of Captain Keller
2

Helen's Condition

By 1887, Helen has grown into a difficult child, unable to communicate with her family. The Kellers are at their wits' end as they struggle to manage her seemingly unpredictable behavior, knowing that drastic measures must be taken.

1887 Keller household
3

Finding a Teacher

After Helen's violent outburst towards her baby sister, Captain Keller reluctantly agrees to find a teacher for Helen. They decide to hire Annie Sullivan, a recent graduate of the Perkins Institute, known for her stubbornness and her own struggles with vision.

1887 Keller household
4

First Meeting

Annie's first encounter with Helen is filled with hope as she introduces Helen to the concept of communication through the finger alphabet. Despite initial excitement, the meeting quickly turns chaotic as Helen demonstrates her stubbornness.

Keller household
5

The Bedroom Lock-In

After an altercation over a doll, Helen locks Annie in her bedroom and escapes. The family comes to Annie’s aid, prompting Captain Keller to climb up a ladder to rescue her, solidifying the bond between Annie and the Kellers.

Keller household
6

Annie's Determination

Determined to teach Helen, Annie starts a battle of wills when Helen disrupts breakfast. This confrontation transforms into a lesson about table manners, showcasing their intense struggle for control.

Keller household
7

A Glimmer of Hope

Despite a chaotic start, after a tough teaching session filled with physical and emotional struggles, Helen begins to show improvement. The moment Annie realizes Helen has folded her napkin becomes a symbol of progress for the family.

Keller household
8

Isolation for Learning

Annie proposes a plan to isolate Helen from her family to promote independence and learning. Despite initial resistance, Captain and Mrs. Keller agree, allowing Helen to stay at a nearby cottage with Annie.

Keller cottage
9

The Breaking Point

After Helen destroys the cottage in a fit of rage, Annie sticks to her plan and introduces Helen to spelling. When Helen shows jealousy over Annie's attention to Percy, she finally displays a desire to learn.

Keller cottage
10

Major Breakthrough

During a lesson at the water pump, Helen experiences a breakthrough moment when she starts to associate the word 'water' with the physical sensation. This realization marks the first major connection between her and language.

Keller cottage
11

The Spark of Understanding

Fully understanding the concept of naming, Helen excitedly connects the names with the things. Annie watches in awe as Helen spells the word 'water' against her palm for the first time, confirming her newfound understanding.

Keller cottage
12

Family Reunion

The Keller family comes out to celebrate as Helen begins to communicate eagerly with Annie. With each interaction, Annie spells out names and words, and Helen's joy is palpable as she discovers the world around her.

Keller cottage
13

Closure and Connection

Later, as night falls, Helen seeks comfort from Annie, cementing their bond. The two girls, once at odds, now find peace together, showcasing the transformative power of love and education.

Keller household

Last Updated: January 19, 2025 at 18:49

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Unlock the Full Story of The Miracle Worker

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Miracle Worker in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Miracle Worker is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Miracle Worker Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Miracle Worker, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Miracle Worker Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Miracle Worker

The Miracle Worker Spoiler-Free Summary

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The Miracle Worker Spoiler-Free Summary

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