4. Describe Helen's actions after she recognizes that water has a name. What does her behavior show about the beliefs that Annie Sullivan has repeatedly expressed in the play?

Despite objections from Helen's family (especially her father), Annie believed that Helen could be taught and she refused to give up. Helen's mother, genuinely concerned for her daughter, feared for her and constantly worked against Annie by trying to protect Helen. Still, Annie fought against them and refused to give up and give in. She had been hired to teach Helen that that is what she intended to do.

When Helen finally connected the letters 'W-A-T-E-R' being spelt into her palms with the actual water flowing over them, it opened her mind to a world of understanding and learning. At that moment, Annie ceased to be Helen's enemy and, instead, became her teacher and her very dear friend.