Essay Questions

Why is John Lee Clark arguing that deaf and blind people should not be celebrated for minor achievements?

Clark believes that deaf and blind people can be more successful if they get the right motivation. Clark does not support people applauding deaf and blind people for minor achievements because that gives them a false narrative. Instead, Clark thinks that blind and deaf people should be encouraged to participate in all other sectors of the economy. Clark is a successful poet whose work is published by the mainstream press, signifying that deaf and blind people can exploit their potential given equal chances in society.

What is the primary theme in How to Communicate by John Lee Clark?

The central theme in the novel is the perception of the deaf and blind people in society. People often assume that hearing and seeing are the norm, but for deafblind persons, it is not ordinary. Mostly, people misinterpret the DeafBlind people because they do not understand their needs and language. The language barrier is a hindrance for deaf and blind people to exploit their potential. Clark urges his readers to have a basic understanding of the American Sign Language (ASL) and Braille to enable them to understand the needs of deaf and blind people.

How does John Lee Clark depict the significance of the sense of touch in conversing with people?

Clark is a DeafBlind poet, and he shares his experiences with readers on how he exchanges a few words with people and his surroundings. Clark's focuses on writing and other forms of communication that require him to use his sense of touch. Clark and other blind people use their fingers to touch Braille's dots to understand the conveyed message in writing. Clark reminds his readers that ordinary people often undervalue the power of touch, but for blind people, it has an immense significance.