Part 3, Chapter 6 Summary

After sending tapes to Hanna for four years, Michael finally receives a thank-you note from Hanna. The handwriting is crude and childish, and Michael realizes that Hanna has learned to read and write. The knowledge makes him happy. Hanna then regularly writes to Michael, and he finds her letters enjoyable and keenly insightful, although he never responds beyond sending tape after tape. He records a book and mails it to Hanna without any personal correspondence. Hanna writes back and comments on the book.

Part 3, Chapter 6 Analysis

Hanna learns how to read and write and thus eliminates the shame of illiteracy that has, quite literally, ruined her life. One can only speculate how different things would have been for Hanna, not to mention Michael, had she received adequate education in her early years. Michael's actions are poignant. He is unable to completely...