Value points :

Mr. Gilman

• Principal of Cambridge School for Young Ladies

• A sincere and caring educationist

• Gave special attention of Helen Keller – knew manual alphabets – read books with her.

• Had a broad view of history and literature – taught Helen English literature – made Helen’s work easier.

• Helped Helen with her German paper

• Concerned about Helen’s deteriorating health – made changes in her studies – not taken positively by Helen and her family.

Detailed Answer :

Mr. Gilman was the Principal of the Cambridge School for young ladies. When Helen took admission in this school, he was very sympathetic towards her. He was a sincere and caring educationist. He gave special attention to Helen Keller. He was well versed in the manual alphabets. He used to give her company during her reading. He even learnt the finger alphabet so as to enable himself to instruct Helen. He taught English literature and History to Helen and she also found her work easier and pleasant when she was instructed by Mr. Gilman. He was quite affectionate and caring towards Helen and gave admission to her sister Mildred in his school so that Helen could get some inspiration from her. He helped Helen with her German paper. Despite all this, he was a bit stern and rigid. When he felt that Helen was overworked and stressed, he decided that she should spend more years to complete her studies. However, Helen did not like this idea and withdrew herself from the school with the help of her mother.