In "The Story of My Life," what was the incident of "The Frost King?" What was the controversy?

Helen Keller's "The Story of My Life" gives an account of many of Helen's experiences up to the age of twenty two. It includes the highlights, such as Helen's first word- W-A-T-E-R and Miss Sullivan's inspiring teaching methods which allow Helen to "learn from life itself," (chapter 7). It also includes some of the worst experiences imaginable and which changed Helen's life forever. Helen feels that it is necessary to include challenging and saddening events...

Helen Keller's "The Story of My Life" gives an account of many of Helen's experiences up to the age of twenty two. It includes the highlights, such as Helen's first word- W-A-T-E-R and Miss Sullivan's inspiring teaching methods which allow Helen to "learn from life itself," (chapter 7). It also includes some of the worst experiences imaginable and which changed Helen's life forever. Helen feels that it is necessary to include challenging and saddening events because she grasps every opportunity to learn, and even painful memories can be beneficial to learning.

"The Frost King" is one such opportunity. When Helen is twelve, she writes a story and sends it to Mr Anagnos for his birthday. Mr Anagnos is so delighted and impressed by it that he publishes it in The Perkins' Institute report. Before long, it is being compared to "The Frost Fairies" which is a published story by Miss Margaret T. Canby from her book "Birdie and His Friends" and Helen is accused of plagiarism.

Helen vows that she has no recollection of ever having had the story told to her and Mr Anagnos believes Helen at first but when Helen says something about Jack Frost she rouses suspicion and loses the trust of her beloved Mr Anagnos. There is an inquiry and Helen and Miss Sullivan are questioned vigorously. Unfortunately, the controversy remains and Helen is never able to regain Mr Anagnos's trust and she says, "I felt so cold, I imagined I should die before morning." Helen is cleared of any wrongdoing but the loss of her friendship with Mr Anagnos leaves Helen full of regret.