in the miracle worker what does it mean when helen touches her own cheeks

it means she wants her mom

In "The Miracle Worker," when Helen Keller touches her own cheeks, it symbolizes her recognition of her own existence and the realization that she is a separate individual from the world around her. By feeling her own face, Helen begins to develop a sense of self-awareness and begins to understand that she has a body and can communicate in her own unique way.

To fully understand the significance of this moment, it is important to watch or read "The Miracle Worker" in its entirety. The play by William Gibson tells the story of Helen Keller, a young girl who is deaf and blind, and her journey of learning and communication with the help of her teacher, Annie Sullivan. This particular scene occurs after months of intense struggle and effort on Annie's part to teach Helen how to communicate through sign language. It is a breakthrough moment where Helen begins to comprehend that she is an individual with her own thoughts and ideas.

The act of Helen touching her own cheeks is a physical manifestation of her newfound understanding of selfhood. It signifies a huge milestone in her development and serves as a turning point in the play, paving the way for further progress and growth.