Influences

            Three influences on Helen are her mother, her father, and Annie. They all influence her in different ways. Helen knows that when she begins to move around hysterically, she gets what she wants. This is because her parents do not know how to deal with her. This is where Annie comes in. Helen's parents put Annie in charge of teaching controlling Helen.
             When Annie is in Helen's company, Helen cannot always get her way. Helen tries to get away from Annie and tries to fight with her, but it is not easy when you are blind to get away from someone. Annie is the best influence on Helen because she is the only one who can help her learn things and keep her in control. Annie is a respectable woman who knows how to handle Helen, and will do anything it takes to teach her how to do the same things she always did, ad Annie is (in Helen's mind) invading into her life. Helen gradually begins to realize that Annie is actually trying to help her, and when she realizes this, she allows Annie to do as she needs to teach. This is a major change for Helen, because now she knows about compassion and about care for another human.
             Helen's mother is a great influence because she loves the child, regardless of her condition. No matter who you are, love is always a strong need in a child's life. It must be odd for Helen to love, because she does not know who is who until she can actually interact with them. She knows that some people love her, but she does not know the same love that people who can see and hear have. She takes it to be more because she has to rely on these people for her safety. As the story progresses, Helen learns manners and stops being a brat. Her mother influenced her to become a well-behaved person, and gradually it takes affect on Helen. .
             Helen's father is an influence in a more subtle way. It is not necessarily a good way either. He is constantly disappointed with Helen, and Helen knows this, but cannot do anything about it.