Question

What did Annie mean when she said that the Kellers’ pity for Helen was like lying to her.

Answer 1

Here, the sentence is from the book, "The Miracle Worker", when Annie said that the kellers pity for Helen, it actually means, that Helen can't spell the words 'cause she is Blind deaf so, It is lying(useless) for Helen. But, after then a tutor comes to her house named "Anne Sullivan", they have a but trouble in learning but she eventually learns how to spell/write correct using her hands.

Hope this helps!

Answer 2

By pitying Helen, her parents were acting as if her condition would change which would be lying. Her condition was never going to change and so if they continue to pity her she would eventually be helpless when they are gone. By leaving her helpless, she's not capable of doing anything, ultimately making her look ignorant; therefore by pitying her, they lie and tell her she's stupid and ignorant.