The primary conflict of The Miracle Worker revolves around how the Kellers treat Helen with love and pity. From the beginning, the Kellers are quick to give Helen everything she desires. Captain Keller defends their parenting style: “Deprived child, the least she can have are the little things she wants” (12). Annie, however, is directly opposed to pity, be it for Helen or herself. When she discusses her new role as Helen’s teacher with Dr. Anagnos, she says, “I hope I won’t need their pity” (16). Dr. Anagnos kindly reminds her that “we can all use some pity” (16). Annie is also weary of love, and begins the play saying, “I thought I died when Jimmie died, that I’d never again—come alive. Well, you say with love so easy, and I haven’t loved a soul since and I never will, I suppose” (17). Gibson begins with these polarizing ideals. Over the course of the play he weaves an arc: the Kellers grow to understand the importance of discipline, and Annie learns to love again.

The relationship between Helen and pity is a commentary on the way that people with disabilities are treated. Annie recalls the studies of Dr.