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Helen Keller Figurative Language

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Is a sense of sight required to see? Author and activist Helen Keller challenges orthodox perspectives in her letter “View From the Empire State Building” as she uses her imagination to describe vibrant scenery. Keller’s letter conveys her perspective of the Empire State Building to warrant a response from sighted individuals. By using her uncommon circumstances and an emotional approach, Keller is able to hone the reader’s perception of her point of view of the world throughout her letter to Dr. Finley. The letter begins with Keller’s description of sight without vision. Keller states, “I was so entranced ‘seeing’ that I did not think about sight” (p. 4). Despite not being able to understand vision, she is able to depict her awareness of her surroundings figurative language. Through her uncanny use of humor, the reader can understand that Keller shows her awareness by using the analogy of “sight” to describe her experience of blindness. The author shows awareness of her disability, but interprets it as a new perspective that can provide her with a keen imagination. …show more content…

In paragraph eight, the author’s perspective is able to go beyond what can physically be seen, yet continues to cater to sighted readers. “[...T]he sun and the stars are suburbs of New York [...] I had a sort of wild desire to invest in a bit of real estate on one of the planets” (p.8). She continues by making an analogy about owning a cottage on the Milky Way, yet being unable to incorporate herself. This may symbolize Keller’s struggles with her disabilities and how she feels it is important for her to be part of a community that is inclusive and her voice feels heard. By revealing her motive, Keller is able to establish further

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