The word “harvested” is used figuratively in paragraph 10. how do you know it’s used figuratively and why did the author choose that word? (story - drummer boy of shiloh)

The author uses personification to show that they are skinny weak; they are still maturing/unprepared

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the miracle worker themeswilliam gibson

themes and meanings

(comprehensive guide to drama)

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there are two central themes in  the miracle worker: that the human spirit can triumph over even the most daunting of disabilities and that a dedicated teacher can transform the lives of those with whom he or she comes into contact. these inspirational themes have long been personified in the widely known true-life relationship between helen keller and annie sullivan, but  the miracle worker  also dramatizes collateral issues that extend beyond the particular case. underlying helen’s process of learning basic principles of what annie terms “obedience” (decorum, etiquette, and hygiene), there are more universal lessons of self-governance—the inculcation of self-restraint instead of willfulness, the development of self-discipline instead of self-indulgence. only when these lessons have been mastered can helen begin to acquire language—which, annie says, “is to the mind more than light is to the eye.”

peace, morning, sun glooming, sorrow, woe pardon’d, punished, more hence, talk, story. all of these three words have to do something with a depressed, regretful tone. woe is another word for misery, heartache, so all of these words are about unhappy feelings.