Character sketch of Dr. Alexander Graham Bell from 'Story of my Life- Helen Keller'

Dr. Alexander Graham Bell was an inventor and a teacher of the deaf. Helen met him for the first time in Washington in the year 1886. This meeting was not only the beginning of a long friendship between Dr. Bell and Helen but it also proved to be the foundation of Helens education and life. In fact, Helen has dedicated her autobiographyThe Story of My Lifeto him. Helen mentions his sympathetic and tender nature that made her love him from her first visit itself. It was on his suggestion that Helens father wrote to Mr. Anagnos and subsequently found Miss Sullivan as a teacher.

Helen and Miss Sullivan were accompanied by Dr. Bell on their visit to the Worlds Fair in 1893. Helen also visited him at his home and laboratory. He appears to be a wonderful and patient teacher who could instil enthusiasm and interest in his students through his delightful explanations. Helen notes that Dr. Bell was a humourous person and a poet as well. Another endearing quality of Dr. Bell was his love for children, particularly the deaf.