MORE THAN THE HELPING BUTLER
Here lies the thoughts of an AP Literature student in regards to the novel The HELp by kathryn Stockett presented to you in:
THE HELPING HAND
Hello and welcome to my blog! This week I read chapters 1-6 (pages 1-90) of the novel The Help by Kathryn Stockett. Here are some of my initial thoughts: Chapter One: Told from the perspective of Aibileen, this chapter first introduces us to life in 1962 Jackson, Mississippi. The importance of the relationship between Mae Mobley and Aibileen is stressed as Aibileen had lost her own son, Treelore, and is to care for (essentially raise) Mae Mobley because her mother Mrs. Elizabeth Leefolt is incompetent in the field of parenting (which was common in her class of people during this time period). I quickly learned to dislike Miss Leefolt and her bridge club; especially Miss Hilly Holbrook. I found their junior league to be quite laughable in their proposition of initiatives such as the Home Help Sanitation Initiative, for it was aimed to better conditions as a "disease-preventative measure," which was indicative of their ridiculous assumptions and racist stereotypes that existed in the minds of many southerners. The only member I seemed to like was Skeeter because she was kind to Aibileen. Also, Mrs. Walter I am fond of maybe only out of pity; but she is civil to say the least. I admire Skeeter for asking Aibileen, "do you ever wish you could..change things?" because she wasn't afraid to ask the question seeking her answer (which to Aibileen was quite obvious). Chapter Two: Again from the perspective of Aibileen, we are introduced to the character of Minny. I like Minny because she is incredibly sassy. She is robust and confident and I admire that. I was infuriated when Hilly made her out to be a thief, and I am glad that Minny got her revenge (whatever it may be). On anther note, I was also awestruck when Miss Leefolt slapped Mae Mobley when she did something so insignificant. My hatred for those white women is growing fast. REALLY FAST. I was so happy when Aibileen gave Celia Foote the number of Minny because she was coming out of her shell and took the individual liberty to be daring. Chapter Three: This has been my favorite chapter so far. Old from Minny's perspective, we meet Celia Foote. Celia intrigues me. She is about as plastic as can be, reminding me of a barbie doll, but yet so inept which is ironic that she can't realistically embody a barbie doll's image and be perfect and do anything. I love Celia as a character however, because she treats Minny well. She has her sit and offers her a drink. She treats Minny like she's a "gift". I can't help but wonder why she can't tell her husband that she is hiring a maid, but I guess I will have to wait and see and just be content that Minny is getting paid well and working shorter hours for a seemingly nice lady. Chapter Four: Again told from Minny's perspective, we are now introduced to Celia's off lifestyle: rarely moving, always laying down, evasive shuffling, and NEVER EVER leaving the house. She is so unaware and inept that Minny feels uncomfortable telling her what to do (which says a lot considering that Minny would ordinarily love to boss a white woman around for hours). I was so shocked when Mister Johnny came home and Minny his in the bathroom. I felt her fear. Simultaneously, I was incredibly angry at Celia for hiding Minny from him...like...excuse me ma'am JUST TELL HIM!!! Chapter Five: Miss Skeeter narrates this chapter and I LOVE IT. We are introduced to her life at Longleaf. Her mother is obsessed with the idea of Skeeter (whose real name is Eugina Phelan [she was named after a mosquito due to her lanky physique at birth] ) finding a man. She is unbearably tall and lanky and her mother is always criticizing her (which is an annoyance). Also, she doesn't recognize or respect her daughter's cole diploma which REALLY BOTHERS ME...no ma'am...sorry... I am happy that Skeeter had Constantine. But, before I address their relationship, I would like to add a quick plug (#yayfeminism) about the job search conducted on pages 58-59. there were more jobs available for men than for women and they were higher paying. This takes place pre-Equal Pay Act of 1963, but it is still apparent even in society today and is unacceptable. Here are some links that highlight the matter further. ANYHOW, back to Constantine, the help. Skeeter and she had been best friends and understood each other. Constantine provided her the most love and care. I fell in love with what Constantine said on page 62: "Ugly live up on the inside. Ugly be a hurtful, mean person. Is you one a them peoples?...you gone have to ask yourself, am i gone believe what them fools say about me today?" This advice is something people need to understand. everything is a choice. We elect what we believe and we have the power to change our outlook and to choose what we let get to us. When I found out that Constantine "had left" suddenly upon Skeeter's return home after college, I was upset and still remain suspicious of the situation. Chapter Six: This chapter was told from Skeeter's perspective as well. I was happy as a lark when she received her letter from Elaine Stein challenging her to write back wit interesting material and encouraging her to apply for an entry level job at the local newspaper. However, I was disappointed when she decided to write about boring topics becauseI sense that she is capable of writing about riveting and controversial issues. Overall, I was glad she got the job at the Jackson Journal, but even happier when she told off her mother about it! Two big steps for Skeeter! Miss Myrna is not Skeeter's area of expertise, so Aibileen's help was much needed. I hope to see their relationship grown and I am interested to see how it evolves as the book progresses. (Maybe she will write about the lives of the help and that will become her ticket to fame [or criticism] as a writer?!)
This marks the end of my week one analysis and I am excited for what week two's readings may hold! If you have any questions, thoughts, or concerns, feel free to comment! Until next time, Miss Monica.
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