July 28, 2011
First the facts: A Lesson Before Dying is set in Louisiana during the 1940's. The Help takes place in Jackson, Mississippi during the 1960's. A Lesson centers around the future death of one man, as well as the racism African Americans faced in society. The Help is about brave women trying to change the future of society by easing out the racism they face. Of course both novels are fictional and written by two completely opposite authors, one a black man and the other a white woman. But somehow both novel place importance on the same central issue: racism and self discovery.
Grant's world is one where racism is acceptable. The idea of civil rights is still several years away, and that reflects on the unfair treatment and lack of advancement toward African Americans. Grant handles this with much resentment, but he learns there is a way to show society they're wrong. He helps to show a man, deemed swine-like, how to look people in the eye. In Aibileen and Minny's world, racism is something that exist, but it's not called that. Society makes it seem as if keeping colored people separate for the rest of the world is almost like doing them a favor. Minny and Aibileen seem much more content in their world, yet they desire change for future generation, not themselves. Grant fight racism through the power of education to another. And in their own way Minny and Aibileen fight racism through education too. They educate society on what really happens in white homes between maids and bosses. I've used the "knowledge is power" quote before, but this just further prove that education of facts, and of people's true personality is what really led to the end of racism.
Learning about ones' self is not a new concept. It is an idea that is expressed in many volumes of literary work. But in A Lesson Before Dying and The Help the concept is new to the central characters. Grant lived in a society where the white people told him who he was. And Skeeter was raised by a family who told her who she was. Grant and Skeeter are both free thinkers. They are individuals who want more for themselves, than just the life set for them. So through different paths, both characters ended their respective novels by learning who they truly are in respect to what society had told them what they were supposed to be. That is what helped to make them characters that people of any age can relate to, and what helped to make themes of the novels something that will always apply to society.
A Lesson Before Dying and The Help have many differences between them. They are two completely different books, yet they somehow cover the same topic and teach the same life lesson. Maybe it is because in order to have growth, characters must change who they are, and that's what makes them dynamic. Or maybe these novels just touch of a time in history when self discovery was something desired and sought after, but not encouraged, which is why characters like Grant and Skeeter are so interesting. Because they go against what society is telling them. I would like to think there is a connection between the ending of racism and discrimination, and the beginning of individualism and people becoming their own person, not just following the ways pervious generations have set for them.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Final Response - The Help by Kathryn Stockett
July 28, 2011
"Wasn't that the point of the book? For women to realize, We are just two people. Not that much separates us. Not nearly as much as I'd thought."
The reason for Skeeter to go against everything she had every known was to get society to realize black, white, poor, rich, christian, or not, we are not that different. This is close to the several themes I find the novel carries. To be who you truly are, and it's what's on the inside that counts are the two that I see most prominent. The Help touches on several issues such as domestic violence, racism, mother/ child relationships, and acceptance in society which all help to shape it's theme.
Minny's character was abused by her father and now by her husband. Like most victims of violence, she thinks it's her fault, she did something to set them off. Throughout the novel, as she gets to see the love Johnny has for Miss Celia without anger, she learned that true love does not hurt. Like everyone else, Minny is scared of rejection. She doesn't want her husband to leave her if she speaks up. After a while, it seems redundant that Minny is scared for her life over the consequence of the book, yet she risk it every night just by going home. When Aibileen finally tells Minny she is free, she seems to understand she has options. I found this to be alluding to her own sort of emancipation proclamation. Like when the slaves were finally free from their masters, Minny was free from her own captivity in a abusive marriage. The white peace dove on her book, a symbol of new freedom for her. Minny also finds herself trust people she never thought she would. Minny and Celia gain a friendship through the course of the novel, characterized by their common rejection from society. Celia helps Minny to learn who she truly is, and helps her to see the bravery she has. This realization eventually lead to her being about to leave her husband and to trust a white woman, because after all, they are just two women.
After raising 17 children Aibileen has finally raised her last white baby, and she left an everlasting impression on her. Aibileen worries for Mae Mobley's future because of her stoic mother, and racist adults that surround her life. She teaches Mae to not look at the color of people's skin and judge them, and also to never consider herself worthless. You know the expression, "one bad apple spoils the bunch?" Well here I see the opposite. Aibileen thinks if she can make "one good apple", then she may be able to influence other people over the years, like her little brother. Aibileen also makes a new friend too, which is also with a white woman. Skeeter and Aibileen form a bond, like one almost similar to one a mother and child share. Aibileen found someone who she can help to understand what it's really like for the other half and in turn Skeeter found someone who accepts the true her.
It shows that true friendship isn't judgmental, like Skeeter had experienced in the past. Skeeter struggles through the novel, trying to fit into the idea of what she is supposed to be. After a while she realizes, she just needs to be who she is. I think the fight to be accepted into society is something everyone struggles with. It is a common problem, even in society today. The fact that Miss Skeeter goes through this gives her a personality that is easily relatable. Her struggle with societal acceptance makes her a character everyone can relate to and helps to build the realness of the novel.
Skeeter's motivation behind the novel will always be because of her relationship with Constantine. Which is explained through a common motif used throughout the novel. A look into the relationship between a mother and child. But it isn't always a genetic mother and child. In their society, maids typically raise white children. Constantine raised Skeeter, and had a special bond because Constantine always encouraged Skeeter to be who she wants to be, as opposed to her mother who has a mold she expected Skeeter to fit into. Aibileen raised Mae Mobley to understand what a mother truly does is love their child, not punish them when they are bad. And Minny taught Celia that mothers are understanding and will tell you the truth, even when it hurts, but they will always take care of you. All these women are different, but they all find comfort in each other. I think this is because it's not having a child that makes you a mother, but it is the love and support you give them that makes you one. I think the mother/ child motif is used in The Help because it is set during a time when the woman's role was to take care of the house and children, so it just adds to the authenticity of the setting.
As Aibileen said "[they] d[id] something brave and good here." Even though The Help is fiction, the stories that it contains most likely happened. I have a cousin who was raised by their black maid, Mary. She remembers how much she loved her, and how she was like a part of the family. Some stories in the novel are similar to the ones of my cousin, which goes to show if the good ones are real, the bad one are too. The Help is truly a educational novel, whether real or not, on how life for African Americans in the south during the 60's was not an easy one, but because of some brave individuals, like Minny and Aibileen, change did happen. And that led to the society we now live in today.
""The Help" Trailer HD." Youtube. Web. 28 Jul 2011. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WbuKgzgeUIU>.
"Wasn't that the point of the book? For women to realize, We are just two people. Not that much separates us. Not nearly as much as I'd thought."
The reason for Skeeter to go against everything she had every known was to get society to realize black, white, poor, rich, christian, or not, we are not that different. This is close to the several themes I find the novel carries. To be who you truly are, and it's what's on the inside that counts are the two that I see most prominent. The Help touches on several issues such as domestic violence, racism, mother/ child relationships, and acceptance in society which all help to shape it's theme.
Minny's character was abused by her father and now by her husband. Like most victims of violence, she thinks it's her fault, she did something to set them off. Throughout the novel, as she gets to see the love Johnny has for Miss Celia without anger, she learned that true love does not hurt. Like everyone else, Minny is scared of rejection. She doesn't want her husband to leave her if she speaks up. After a while, it seems redundant that Minny is scared for her life over the consequence of the book, yet she risk it every night just by going home. When Aibileen finally tells Minny she is free, she seems to understand she has options. I found this to be alluding to her own sort of emancipation proclamation. Like when the slaves were finally free from their masters, Minny was free from her own captivity in a abusive marriage. The white peace dove on her book, a symbol of new freedom for her. Minny also finds herself trust people she never thought she would. Minny and Celia gain a friendship through the course of the novel, characterized by their common rejection from society. Celia helps Minny to learn who she truly is, and helps her to see the bravery she has. This realization eventually lead to her being about to leave her husband and to trust a white woman, because after all, they are just two women.
After raising 17 children Aibileen has finally raised her last white baby, and she left an everlasting impression on her. Aibileen worries for Mae Mobley's future because of her stoic mother, and racist adults that surround her life. She teaches Mae to not look at the color of people's skin and judge them, and also to never consider herself worthless. You know the expression, "one bad apple spoils the bunch?" Well here I see the opposite. Aibileen thinks if she can make "one good apple", then she may be able to influence other people over the years, like her little brother. Aibileen also makes a new friend too, which is also with a white woman. Skeeter and Aibileen form a bond, like one almost similar to one a mother and child share. Aibileen found someone who she can help to understand what it's really like for the other half and in turn Skeeter found someone who accepts the true her.
It shows that true friendship isn't judgmental, like Skeeter had experienced in the past. Skeeter struggles through the novel, trying to fit into the idea of what she is supposed to be. After a while she realizes, she just needs to be who she is. I think the fight to be accepted into society is something everyone struggles with. It is a common problem, even in society today. The fact that Miss Skeeter goes through this gives her a personality that is easily relatable. Her struggle with societal acceptance makes her a character everyone can relate to and helps to build the realness of the novel.
Skeeter's motivation behind the novel will always be because of her relationship with Constantine. Which is explained through a common motif used throughout the novel. A look into the relationship between a mother and child. But it isn't always a genetic mother and child. In their society, maids typically raise white children. Constantine raised Skeeter, and had a special bond because Constantine always encouraged Skeeter to be who she wants to be, as opposed to her mother who has a mold she expected Skeeter to fit into. Aibileen raised Mae Mobley to understand what a mother truly does is love their child, not punish them when they are bad. And Minny taught Celia that mothers are understanding and will tell you the truth, even when it hurts, but they will always take care of you. All these women are different, but they all find comfort in each other. I think this is because it's not having a child that makes you a mother, but it is the love and support you give them that makes you one. I think the mother/ child motif is used in The Help because it is set during a time when the woman's role was to take care of the house and children, so it just adds to the authenticity of the setting.
As Aibileen said "[they] d[id] something brave and good here." Even though The Help is fiction, the stories that it contains most likely happened. I have a cousin who was raised by their black maid, Mary. She remembers how much she loved her, and how she was like a part of the family. Some stories in the novel are similar to the ones of my cousin, which goes to show if the good ones are real, the bad one are too. The Help is truly a educational novel, whether real or not, on how life for African Americans in the south during the 60's was not an easy one, but because of some brave individuals, like Minny and Aibileen, change did happen. And that led to the society we now live in today.
""The Help" Trailer HD." Youtube. Web. 28 Jul 2011. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WbuKgzgeUIU>.
Reading Response #14 - The Help by Kathryn Stockett
July 28, 2011
Pages 473 - 522
Chapter 30 - 34
The damage has been done. The town of Jackson is figuring out who the women in the book Help are, and are firing maids because of it. That is until Miss Hilly reads the end, learning that Minny included the pie story and began insisting the book is a bunch of made up garbage. It very intuitive of Minny to know that Miss Hilly cares more about her reputation than she does about getting revenge. This shows that Hilly's character is vindictive, yet her acceptance in society defines who she is and without it, she really is nothing.
This is very different from the character Skeeter turned out to be. Although she was stung by her friends abandoning her, she found a new life for herself in New York. As Minny told her, she had nothing for her in Jackson. I think this shows that Skeeter is a character that is not defined by her surroundings, but she is who she is. She does not change anything about herself for anybody anymore, and this shows the growth she's had since the beginning of the novel, where she did what she was told to please people. She is a dynamic character.
Minny is now set for life. She will always have a job with Johnny and Celia. She has also decided to leave her abusive husband. Minny has always come off as a strong willed, tough woman through the novel, but she shapes into someone who cares about everyone else, more than she does herself. She wants other maids' jobs to be secure over her own, which makes Minny appear as a martyr. I see this because she believes in the advances of African Americans in society, and is willing to risk her own life, and job for the greater good for her community.
And finally Aibileen has done what she could for Mae Mobley. After Hilly realized she was apart of the book, she got Mrs. Leefolt to fire her. Before leaving she asked Mae Mobley if she remember what she always told her. When Mae told her that she is kind and intelligent and beautiful Aibileen knew she would be ok. Aibileen may have made a difference by the words she wrote, but I find the purpose of her character is to help future generation, like Mae, to know that they are important, but no better than other people in society.
All these women help to shape the themes of the novel. You can't judge a book by it's cover. Beauty is only skin deep. It's what's on the inside that counts. All these are proven by the kind, intelligent maids and the ignorant, bigoted white people they work for. Minny and Aibileen show characters like Mae Mobley and Celia that it's the kind of person you are, not the color, that matters in friendship. Skeeter proves that true friends will accept you no matter what, when she finds real friendship with Aibileen, much as she had with Constantine. Basically I found the novel to say be who you are and take pride in it because you might just change someone's life.
Pages 473 - 522
Chapter 30 - 34
The damage has been done. The town of Jackson is figuring out who the women in the book Help are, and are firing maids because of it. That is until Miss Hilly reads the end, learning that Minny included the pie story and began insisting the book is a bunch of made up garbage. It very intuitive of Minny to know that Miss Hilly cares more about her reputation than she does about getting revenge. This shows that Hilly's character is vindictive, yet her acceptance in society defines who she is and without it, she really is nothing.
This is very different from the character Skeeter turned out to be. Although she was stung by her friends abandoning her, she found a new life for herself in New York. As Minny told her, she had nothing for her in Jackson. I think this shows that Skeeter is a character that is not defined by her surroundings, but she is who she is. She does not change anything about herself for anybody anymore, and this shows the growth she's had since the beginning of the novel, where she did what she was told to please people. She is a dynamic character.
Minny is now set for life. She will always have a job with Johnny and Celia. She has also decided to leave her abusive husband. Minny has always come off as a strong willed, tough woman through the novel, but she shapes into someone who cares about everyone else, more than she does herself. She wants other maids' jobs to be secure over her own, which makes Minny appear as a martyr. I see this because she believes in the advances of African Americans in society, and is willing to risk her own life, and job for the greater good for her community.
And finally Aibileen has done what she could for Mae Mobley. After Hilly realized she was apart of the book, she got Mrs. Leefolt to fire her. Before leaving she asked Mae Mobley if she remember what she always told her. When Mae told her that she is kind and intelligent and beautiful Aibileen knew she would be ok. Aibileen may have made a difference by the words she wrote, but I find the purpose of her character is to help future generation, like Mae, to know that they are important, but no better than other people in society.
All these women help to shape the themes of the novel. You can't judge a book by it's cover. Beauty is only skin deep. It's what's on the inside that counts. All these are proven by the kind, intelligent maids and the ignorant, bigoted white people they work for. Minny and Aibileen show characters like Mae Mobley and Celia that it's the kind of person you are, not the color, that matters in friendship. Skeeter proves that true friends will accept you no matter what, when she finds real friendship with Aibileen, much as she had with Constantine. Basically I found the novel to say be who you are and take pride in it because you might just change someone's life.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Quote #10 - The Help by Kathryn Stockett
July 27, 2011
Pages 447 and 468
"Why is it that someone always seems to be ashamed of me?" - Skeeter
"'This one, this is for the white lady. You tell her we love her, like she's our own family." - The Reverend to Aibileen, when giving her a gift for Skeeter
I found these quotes as a sort of question and answer. Skeeter feels as if everyone in her life is ashamed of who she really is. After Aibileen's community read their book, they grew to love and appreciate Skeeter. It's ironic that Skeeter's own community rejects her, while the community they reject accept her. I find it to show that acceptance may not always lie where you think it will, but the people who truly accept you for yourself, will never turn their back on you.
The fact that a black community is supporting the actions of a white lady shows how much the book means to them. They could be killed for it, but because Skeeter did something for them they are indebted to her. The fact that they consider her family shows the magnitude of love they feel for her. Skeeter started off feeling as if she was betraying her community by writing this book, but now she knows her motivation comes from the joy that all the maids felt when it was published. I find this to show how Skeeter's alliance has shifted and how she's found with whom she's truly feels like she fits in.
This also reaches into the topic of acceptance the book always seems to be talking about. One's constant desire to fit into society is a subject that seems to be central to the book. Hilly and Mrs. Leefolt's motivation is wanting to be the ideal person in society, therefore looking for content acceptance. Miss Skeeter's motivation had been the same as their's up until she being seeing the world from a different point of view, one of the help. I think by Skeeter finally being accepted into society will show her to have a shift in character. This will hopefully lead her to discover the importance of the fact that it's what's on the inside that count, not on the outside. And also will lead Skeeter on the road to self discovery and she will learn who she truly is. I find these quotes to be important because they are showing Skeeter is on the path to learning about herself, and it is also leading up to the shaping of the theme of the novel.
Pages 447 and 468
"Why is it that someone always seems to be ashamed of me?" - Skeeter
"'This one, this is for the white lady. You tell her we love her, like she's our own family." - The Reverend to Aibileen, when giving her a gift for Skeeter
I found these quotes as a sort of question and answer. Skeeter feels as if everyone in her life is ashamed of who she really is. After Aibileen's community read their book, they grew to love and appreciate Skeeter. It's ironic that Skeeter's own community rejects her, while the community they reject accept her. I find it to show that acceptance may not always lie where you think it will, but the people who truly accept you for yourself, will never turn their back on you.
The fact that a black community is supporting the actions of a white lady shows how much the book means to them. They could be killed for it, but because Skeeter did something for them they are indebted to her. The fact that they consider her family shows the magnitude of love they feel for her. Skeeter started off feeling as if she was betraying her community by writing this book, but now she knows her motivation comes from the joy that all the maids felt when it was published. I find this to show how Skeeter's alliance has shifted and how she's found with whom she's truly feels like she fits in.
This also reaches into the topic of acceptance the book always seems to be talking about. One's constant desire to fit into society is a subject that seems to be central to the book. Hilly and Mrs. Leefolt's motivation is wanting to be the ideal person in society, therefore looking for content acceptance. Miss Skeeter's motivation had been the same as their's up until she being seeing the world from a different point of view, one of the help. I think by Skeeter finally being accepted into society will show her to have a shift in character. This will hopefully lead her to discover the importance of the fact that it's what's on the inside that count, not on the outside. And also will lead Skeeter on the road to self discovery and she will learn who she truly is. I find these quotes to be important because they are showing Skeeter is on the path to learning about herself, and it is also leading up to the shaping of the theme of the novel.
Reading Response #13 - The Help by Kathryn Stockett
July 27, 2011
Pages 435 - 471
Chapters 28 - 29
Firstly, Miss Skeeter's book has been published. It hadn't had any publicity, until a talk show reviewed it, which will undoubtably lead to the women who was talked about in it reading it. Stuart proposed to Miss Skeeter, but after she told him about the book, he retracted him proposal. And finally, Miss Skeeter's mother is dying of cancer. Skeeter is now finally opening to a relationship with her mother.
A common motif in the novel has been the look into mother/ child relationships. There is the way Miss Hilly is gentle with her children. Mrs. Leefolt's harshness with Mae Mobley, as well as Aibileen's caring words toward her. Miss Skeeter's relationships with both Constance and her mother. It really highlights the way the maids gain motherly relationship with the children they raise, and how tough it is for the actual mothers to gain relationships later in life.
Aibileen's church had reached out and told her they support her through the controversy that will surely come out with the book. They also told her that they love and support Miss Skeeter too. I think this shows the new shift is balance in the community. While in the beginning, the blacks looked out only for their own, by reaching out to Skeeter now, show the affect the integration efforts have on the community. Now, by Skeeter publishing something that shows the world the truth about their community, the African Americans are trusting her, and accepting her. Ironic that she is no longer accepted by her own people, but by people that she's been taught are too different from her to have anything in common.
On the cover of Help is a white peace dove. Obviously the dove represents peace. Aibileen notes how nicely it looks on the cover. I find it, of course, symbolic for the desire for future peace between the races. Also along with the Bob Dylan song, a symbol of hope for changing times.
Pages 435 - 471
Chapters 28 - 29
Firstly, Miss Skeeter's book has been published. It hadn't had any publicity, until a talk show reviewed it, which will undoubtably lead to the women who was talked about in it reading it. Stuart proposed to Miss Skeeter, but after she told him about the book, he retracted him proposal. And finally, Miss Skeeter's mother is dying of cancer. Skeeter is now finally opening to a relationship with her mother.
A common motif in the novel has been the look into mother/ child relationships. There is the way Miss Hilly is gentle with her children. Mrs. Leefolt's harshness with Mae Mobley, as well as Aibileen's caring words toward her. Miss Skeeter's relationships with both Constance and her mother. It really highlights the way the maids gain motherly relationship with the children they raise, and how tough it is for the actual mothers to gain relationships later in life.
Aibileen's church had reached out and told her they support her through the controversy that will surely come out with the book. They also told her that they love and support Miss Skeeter too. I think this shows the new shift is balance in the community. While in the beginning, the blacks looked out only for their own, by reaching out to Skeeter now, show the affect the integration efforts have on the community. Now, by Skeeter publishing something that shows the world the truth about their community, the African Americans are trusting her, and accepting her. Ironic that she is no longer accepted by her own people, but by people that she's been taught are too different from her to have anything in common.
On the cover of Help is a white peace dove. Obviously the dove represents peace. Aibileen notes how nicely it looks on the cover. I find it, of course, symbolic for the desire for future peace between the races. Also along with the Bob Dylan song, a symbol of hope for changing times.
Quote #9 - The Help by Kathryn Stockett
July 27, 2011
Page 414 - 415
"...you'll sink like a stone
For the times they are a-changin.'
.... I feel a rush of inexplicable relief. I feel like I've just heard something from the future."
-Miss Skeeter after hearing a Bob Dylan song
While feeling lonely and empty, Miss Skeeter hears these words and suddenly feels as if things will be ok. Looking at the lyrics, "you'll sink like a stone," at first I thought was talking about how Miss Skeeter was feelings currently. But with "for the times they are a-changin'" makes me think about the rest of society. People like Miss Hilly, who can't let go of the old ways, will drown in the new society coming up ahead. Meaning new changes will be occurring.
To Miss Skeeter this is a sign of hope. New things will be coming, which I can't help but think will be linked to the book. She feels as if it's something from the future because she now sees that her book is something that can possibly change the future of their society. The song lyrics are just a symbol of new hope for her and a sign that things are moving in the right direction.
On top of being a symbol I see these words foreshadowing a future change in society to. The song was released in 1964, after the time when The Help is set (Stockett). The fact the Stockett put in a song that had yet to be released, I think shows the words have significance to them. With Skeeter finding hope in the lyrics, I can't help but to think they are trying to readers to foresee a change in society that will come from the novel. Not only will society change, but people are going to go down because of it. Will it be the maids as a result of what they've written? Or will it be people like Hilly who will finally be revealed as the monster she is? This quite does leave a feeling of elation, because it does indicate the book will have the impact Skeeter wants to make, but it also leaves a tone of suspense for who will be the one to "sink like a stone."
Stockett, Kathryn. The Help. New York, NY : The Berkley Publishing Group, 2009. 523. Print.
"Bob Dylan - Times They are a-Changin'." Youtube. Web. 27 Jul 2011. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCWdCKPtnYE>.
Page 414 - 415
"...you'll sink like a stone
For the times they are a-changin.'
.... I feel a rush of inexplicable relief. I feel like I've just heard something from the future."
-Miss Skeeter after hearing a Bob Dylan song
While feeling lonely and empty, Miss Skeeter hears these words and suddenly feels as if things will be ok. Looking at the lyrics, "you'll sink like a stone," at first I thought was talking about how Miss Skeeter was feelings currently. But with "for the times they are a-changin'" makes me think about the rest of society. People like Miss Hilly, who can't let go of the old ways, will drown in the new society coming up ahead. Meaning new changes will be occurring.
To Miss Skeeter this is a sign of hope. New things will be coming, which I can't help but think will be linked to the book. She feels as if it's something from the future because she now sees that her book is something that can possibly change the future of their society. The song lyrics are just a symbol of new hope for her and a sign that things are moving in the right direction.
On top of being a symbol I see these words foreshadowing a future change in society to. The song was released in 1964, after the time when The Help is set (Stockett). The fact the Stockett put in a song that had yet to be released, I think shows the words have significance to them. With Skeeter finding hope in the lyrics, I can't help but to think they are trying to readers to foresee a change in society that will come from the novel. Not only will society change, but people are going to go down because of it. Will it be the maids as a result of what they've written? Or will it be people like Hilly who will finally be revealed as the monster she is? This quite does leave a feeling of elation, because it does indicate the book will have the impact Skeeter wants to make, but it also leaves a tone of suspense for who will be the one to "sink like a stone."
Stockett, Kathryn. The Help. New York, NY : The Berkley Publishing Group, 2009. 523. Print.
"Bob Dylan - Times They are a-Changin'." Youtube. Web. 27 Jul 2011. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCWdCKPtnYE>.
Reading Response #12 - The Help by Kathryn Stockett
July 27, 2011
Pages 392 - 434
Chapters 26 - 27
Two weeks after JFK's assassination which was November 22, 1963, it is the days after the disastrous charity ball, and Miss Celia is so upset about being rejected from the League ladies. Minny finally tells her about the "Terrible Awful" thing she did to Miss Hilly. She told her to "eat [her] shit" then went home to make her a chocolate pie, seemingly as a peace offering. After Miss Hilly ate two slices of it, Minny told her what was really in it. After hearing this Miss Celia finally snaps out of whatever trance she was in. The next day she cut down that mimosa tree in her backyard. Now I really see the tree a a symbol for Celia acceptance in society. It stayed dead, because she would never be accepted, so she finally cut it down, symbolically showing she doesn't care about societal acceptance anymore.
Next we saw Miss Skeeter rushing to finish the last few chapters of her book. Aibileen found an appropriate title, Help, and they even added Minny's "Terrible Awful" thing for insurance, for Miss Hilly would never want that story to get out about her. Skeeter also learned the truth about Constantine. How her white looking daughter embarrassed her mother, so Skeeter's mother kicked them both out after telling Constantine's daughter her mother was embarrassed to have her. Constantine died 3 weeks after her move to Chicago. It appears the reason Constantine and Skeeter had such a strong relationship is because Skeeter longed for a mother who loved and accepted her, without ridicule, and Constantine wanted a daughter to replace the one she had to give up. They just filled a hole that the other had in their life.
Miss Skeeter also quit smoking. She had quit about 2 months ago, around the time of her exile from society. This fits symbolically that smoking does somehow represent the acceptance and fitting in to society. Skeeter no longer fit in, not because she no longer smokes, but the two do coincide. Her quitting smoking just represents when she quit trying to fit in, and finally did what she wanted to do.
Pages 392 - 434
Chapters 26 - 27
Two weeks after JFK's assassination which was November 22, 1963, it is the days after the disastrous charity ball, and Miss Celia is so upset about being rejected from the League ladies. Minny finally tells her about the "Terrible Awful" thing she did to Miss Hilly. She told her to "eat [her] shit" then went home to make her a chocolate pie, seemingly as a peace offering. After Miss Hilly ate two slices of it, Minny told her what was really in it. After hearing this Miss Celia finally snaps out of whatever trance she was in. The next day she cut down that mimosa tree in her backyard. Now I really see the tree a a symbol for Celia acceptance in society. It stayed dead, because she would never be accepted, so she finally cut it down, symbolically showing she doesn't care about societal acceptance anymore.
Next we saw Miss Skeeter rushing to finish the last few chapters of her book. Aibileen found an appropriate title, Help, and they even added Minny's "Terrible Awful" thing for insurance, for Miss Hilly would never want that story to get out about her. Skeeter also learned the truth about Constantine. How her white looking daughter embarrassed her mother, so Skeeter's mother kicked them both out after telling Constantine's daughter her mother was embarrassed to have her. Constantine died 3 weeks after her move to Chicago. It appears the reason Constantine and Skeeter had such a strong relationship is because Skeeter longed for a mother who loved and accepted her, without ridicule, and Constantine wanted a daughter to replace the one she had to give up. They just filled a hole that the other had in their life.
Miss Skeeter also quit smoking. She had quit about 2 months ago, around the time of her exile from society. This fits symbolically that smoking does somehow represent the acceptance and fitting in to society. Skeeter no longer fit in, not because she no longer smokes, but the two do coincide. Her quitting smoking just represents when she quit trying to fit in, and finally did what she wanted to do.
Reading Response #11 - The Help by Kathryn Stockett
July 27, 2011
Pages 354 - 391
Chapters 24 - 25
A serious topic arises during these chapters. Minny has spoken before about her husband hitting her when he was drunk, but now it appears as if he is hitting her while he is sober too. Miss Celia notices he cuts and questions her. During there conversation a nude man appears outside of Miss Celia's house. Minny goes outside to get him to leave and he attacks her, punching her in the head while making several sexual comments. Miss Celia ends up beating him with a fire poker, and saving Minny's life. Not only does this situation focus on violence toward women, but also that a white woman risked her life for a black woman.
Firstly violence toward women was something not entirely uncommon during this time. Women were trying to fight for more rights to control their own body as well as protection against physical abuse. Now days, man or woman, if you hit them, you're going to jail. I think this event highlights the low importance placed on women by society for violence toward women to be tolerated.
Next is the fact that Miss Celia saved Minny. The stories shared by the other maids have shown me that white families have cared for their help, but never to the extent where they would risk their own life for them. I think this really shows what kind of character Miss Celia has. She does have a childlike innocence about her, but I think that is only to allow her to be blind by the colors of the world so she can befriend Minny. Just like she came from poverty, so she is considered an outsider by society, so she can relate to Minny. All of these things help to shape Celia's nurturing personality and open friendship she has. I find ironic that these condition are seen as trashy and cheap by society, but they have helped to make Miss Celia a better person.
Another reason why Miss Celia may be seen as an outcast is because of her sex appeal. She is described as having too big breast in too small clothing, with fake blonde hair. I picture her as a Marilyn Monroe/ Pamela Anderson/ Anna Nicole Smith type person. In today's society, that pretty much describes every girl in the Playboy Mansion, but during the 60's showing too much skin was scandalous. Her sex appeal make women mark her as whorish, and men thanking God for putting her on this earth. That makes her seen as a leper for everyone to avoid, which is what happened when she attended the children's benefit, hosted by Miss Hilly's society. It was clear that her looks made people stay away from her. I think that once again shows how much physical appearance plays a party of acceptance into society, and how it doesn't so much matter what is on the inside. It is kind of an anti-theme.
Now about the women in the book: if Miss Skeeter is a symbol for women's working rights, and Aibileen and Minny a symbol for African American rights, then I would say Miss Celia is a symbol for women's body rights.
Pages 354 - 391
Chapters 24 - 25
A serious topic arises during these chapters. Minny has spoken before about her husband hitting her when he was drunk, but now it appears as if he is hitting her while he is sober too. Miss Celia notices he cuts and questions her. During there conversation a nude man appears outside of Miss Celia's house. Minny goes outside to get him to leave and he attacks her, punching her in the head while making several sexual comments. Miss Celia ends up beating him with a fire poker, and saving Minny's life. Not only does this situation focus on violence toward women, but also that a white woman risked her life for a black woman.
Firstly violence toward women was something not entirely uncommon during this time. Women were trying to fight for more rights to control their own body as well as protection against physical abuse. Now days, man or woman, if you hit them, you're going to jail. I think this event highlights the low importance placed on women by society for violence toward women to be tolerated.
Next is the fact that Miss Celia saved Minny. The stories shared by the other maids have shown me that white families have cared for their help, but never to the extent where they would risk their own life for them. I think this really shows what kind of character Miss Celia has. She does have a childlike innocence about her, but I think that is only to allow her to be blind by the colors of the world so she can befriend Minny. Just like she came from poverty, so she is considered an outsider by society, so she can relate to Minny. All of these things help to shape Celia's nurturing personality and open friendship she has. I find ironic that these condition are seen as trashy and cheap by society, but they have helped to make Miss Celia a better person.
Another reason why Miss Celia may be seen as an outcast is because of her sex appeal. She is described as having too big breast in too small clothing, with fake blonde hair. I picture her as a Marilyn Monroe/ Pamela Anderson/ Anna Nicole Smith type person. In today's society, that pretty much describes every girl in the Playboy Mansion, but during the 60's showing too much skin was scandalous. Her sex appeal make women mark her as whorish, and men thanking God for putting her on this earth. That makes her seen as a leper for everyone to avoid, which is what happened when she attended the children's benefit, hosted by Miss Hilly's society. It was clear that her looks made people stay away from her. I think that once again shows how much physical appearance plays a party of acceptance into society, and how it doesn't so much matter what is on the inside. It is kind of an anti-theme.
Now about the women in the book: if Miss Skeeter is a symbol for women's working rights, and Aibileen and Minny a symbol for African American rights, then I would say Miss Celia is a symbol for women's body rights.
Quote #8 - The Help by Kathryn Stockett
July 27, 2011
Page 367 - 368
"I used to believe in [the lines]. I don't anymore. They in our heads. People like Miss Hilly is always trying to make us believe they there. But they ain't... Lines between black and white ain't there neither. Some folks just made those up, long time ago. And that go for the white trash and the society ladies too."
-Aibileen's thought's on the 'lines' separating society
Aibileen finally realizes the lines she learned never to cross when she was younger, aren't really there. They were created by upper class snobs who think they are too good for anybody who isn't like them. This explains why Miss Celia relates to Minny so easily. They are both outside the circle of society that has been deemed acceptable, therefore similar. Society puts lower class and black all on the same level beneath them. So this shows that no matter what color you are in the lower class, you relate to each other more than you would a rich white person. Its almost as if they are of their own race together. It reminds me of the Island of misfit toys. They are unwanted because they are not as nice as the other 'toys,'
but they find acceptance and friendship with each other.
The fact that Aibileen doesn't see the lines anymore shows that she is growing. I think this shows how she doesn't fear so much about the consequences of her actions anymore. But is her bravery a good thing or bad? On the good side, it means she's finally fighting for what she believes in. She won't take white people's abuse anymore. But on the bad side, it means she's in danger. If she's letting her guard down, she more likely to get caught.
This quote captures an epiphany that I think will occur to all help soon. Perhaps it can even foreshadow future attitudes that arise with other. Will this mean the lines separating society will soon be crossed, or will they be blurred by people who are sick of the past traditions and want to move forward also? I think it means the lines aren't as strong as they used to be, and there will be a change in the dynamics of society. It also leaves me in suspense for Aibileen's future well being. Is she going to do something stupid because she no longer sees the lines society has drawn? Will it cost her her jobs, and if it does what does that mean for the future of Mae Mobley? Will Aibileen teach Mae to believe in herself, and be a beautiful, kind person, or will she never get the chance?
Page 367 - 368
"I used to believe in [the lines]. I don't anymore. They in our heads. People like Miss Hilly is always trying to make us believe they there. But they ain't... Lines between black and white ain't there neither. Some folks just made those up, long time ago. And that go for the white trash and the society ladies too."
-Aibileen's thought's on the 'lines' separating society
Aibileen finally realizes the lines she learned never to cross when she was younger, aren't really there. They were created by upper class snobs who think they are too good for anybody who isn't like them. This explains why Miss Celia relates to Minny so easily. They are both outside the circle of society that has been deemed acceptable, therefore similar. Society puts lower class and black all on the same level beneath them. So this shows that no matter what color you are in the lower class, you relate to each other more than you would a rich white person. Its almost as if they are of their own race together. It reminds me of the Island of misfit toys. They are unwanted because they are not as nice as the other 'toys,'
but they find acceptance and friendship with each other.
The fact that Aibileen doesn't see the lines anymore shows that she is growing. I think this shows how she doesn't fear so much about the consequences of her actions anymore. But is her bravery a good thing or bad? On the good side, it means she's finally fighting for what she believes in. She won't take white people's abuse anymore. But on the bad side, it means she's in danger. If she's letting her guard down, she more likely to get caught.
This quote captures an epiphany that I think will occur to all help soon. Perhaps it can even foreshadow future attitudes that arise with other. Will this mean the lines separating society will soon be crossed, or will they be blurred by people who are sick of the past traditions and want to move forward also? I think it means the lines aren't as strong as they used to be, and there will be a change in the dynamics of society. It also leaves me in suspense for Aibileen's future well being. Is she going to do something stupid because she no longer sees the lines society has drawn? Will it cost her her jobs, and if it does what does that mean for the future of Mae Mobley? Will Aibileen teach Mae to believe in herself, and be a beautiful, kind person, or will she never get the chance?
Reading Response #10 - The Help by Kathryn Stockett
July 27, 2011
Pages 324 - 353
Chapters 21 - 23
The climax of the book has finally been reached. Miss Skeeter spoke her mind to Hilly and is now being black listed from society. Although this doesn't seem to bother Miss Skeeter, it always hurts to be rejected. I've also noticed Miss Skeeter talks about smoking a lot. She smokes often, as do most women in society. I can't help but wonder if smoking is a symbol for fitting in to society. When Miss Skeeter smokes, she is like the others, but when she quits she will be different. She has mention several times her desire to quit so I wonder if it symbolizes she desires to break out of her circle of friends, and be different where others can see. That could be why she is not so upset about being exiled from her friends.
Aibileen has been focusing on telling Mae Mobley stories that deal with the all important theme, it's what's on the inside that counts. She tells her stories of white and black children playing together, and wrapping up candy in brown and white bags, teaching Mae it doesn't matter what the outside looks like. While she's doing it to just teach Mae Mobley that blacks are no different from her, I see it developing to be the theme. What all the maids are trying to do with Miss Skeeter is to write something that shows the world it is what is on the inside that counts, not the color on the outside. That is what I see the theme of the novel as.
Pages 324 - 353
Chapters 21 - 23
The climax of the book has finally been reached. Miss Skeeter spoke her mind to Hilly and is now being black listed from society. Although this doesn't seem to bother Miss Skeeter, it always hurts to be rejected. I've also noticed Miss Skeeter talks about smoking a lot. She smokes often, as do most women in society. I can't help but wonder if smoking is a symbol for fitting in to society. When Miss Skeeter smokes, she is like the others, but when she quits she will be different. She has mention several times her desire to quit so I wonder if it symbolizes she desires to break out of her circle of friends, and be different where others can see. That could be why she is not so upset about being exiled from her friends.
Aibileen has been focusing on telling Mae Mobley stories that deal with the all important theme, it's what's on the inside that counts. She tells her stories of white and black children playing together, and wrapping up candy in brown and white bags, teaching Mae it doesn't matter what the outside looks like. While she's doing it to just teach Mae Mobley that blacks are no different from her, I see it developing to be the theme. What all the maids are trying to do with Miss Skeeter is to write something that shows the world it is what is on the inside that counts, not the color on the outside. That is what I see the theme of the novel as.
"10June." How to Stop Smoking Help. Web. 27 Jul 2011. <http://www.howtostopsmokinghelp.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/10JUNE.jpg>.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Reading Response #9 - The Help by Kathryn Stockett
July 26, 2011
Pages 280 -323
Chapters 19 - 21
After Yule May, Hilly's maid, has been arrested for stealing and punished for longer than necessary, more maids have decided to speak up. This seems to happen like a domino effect in my mind. But why does Yule May's arrest not scare the other maids into indefinite silence? The reaction from the maids is unexpected, and I think this is because Stockett wanted to convey the closeness of the black community. They are like a family, and they defend their own. By risking their lives to try to help Yule May, it shows just how far they will go. I think this also shows why it's so important that they are opening up to Skeeter. If they are so tight knit, to open up to a white lady is clearly something not done. This shows how important it must be to them to tell their story. I wonder if this will lead to a future acceptance for Skeeter and a newfound trust the black community has for some members of the white community?
While interviewing maids, Miss Skeeter hears about some families who love their maids, and some who treat them bad. Some maids are treated with great care and some families can't care less about what happens to their help. Miss Skeeter is finally getting more diverse stories for her book. But I wonder what differs between the good families and the bad ones? Is it just that some people are nice and some people aren't? Or is it my theory on class and social standing in society affecting the way help is treated?
We also get a look into Skeeter's dad. While at a dinner with Skeeter's boyfriend's family, her dad expresses his deep care for his negro workers. He doesn't believe black people in society are being treated fairly. Maybe this is where Skeeter gets her compassionate side from. Skeeter's dad came from nothing and built his own cotton fortune, she that would fit my theory. He is kind toward blacks because he was raised in poorer conditions, where her mother was always raised in a home with family. This goes along with the relevance of class to racism.
I also found it ironic that Skeeter's boyfriend's house seems like "a shrine to the War Between the States," meaning the Civil War. What the war is greatly known for in the issue of slavery. So is this house a symbol of the part of society stuck in the past and unwilling to let go of slavery? Or is it's juxtaposition to point out the irony of Skeeter encouraging the rights of maids in a society determined to oppress them? Either way it's relevance in the novel seems to point out how difficult it will be for Skeeter to find people who will actually accept the novel as something positive. The house highlights how Jackson seems to be stuck in the past, and is resistant to change for the future, which is most likely an obstacle the maids and Skeeter will face.
Pages 280 -323
Chapters 19 - 21
After Yule May, Hilly's maid, has been arrested for stealing and punished for longer than necessary, more maids have decided to speak up. This seems to happen like a domino effect in my mind. But why does Yule May's arrest not scare the other maids into indefinite silence? The reaction from the maids is unexpected, and I think this is because Stockett wanted to convey the closeness of the black community. They are like a family, and they defend their own. By risking their lives to try to help Yule May, it shows just how far they will go. I think this also shows why it's so important that they are opening up to Skeeter. If they are so tight knit, to open up to a white lady is clearly something not done. This shows how important it must be to them to tell their story. I wonder if this will lead to a future acceptance for Skeeter and a newfound trust the black community has for some members of the white community?
While interviewing maids, Miss Skeeter hears about some families who love their maids, and some who treat them bad. Some maids are treated with great care and some families can't care less about what happens to their help. Miss Skeeter is finally getting more diverse stories for her book. But I wonder what differs between the good families and the bad ones? Is it just that some people are nice and some people aren't? Or is it my theory on class and social standing in society affecting the way help is treated?
We also get a look into Skeeter's dad. While at a dinner with Skeeter's boyfriend's family, her dad expresses his deep care for his negro workers. He doesn't believe black people in society are being treated fairly. Maybe this is where Skeeter gets her compassionate side from. Skeeter's dad came from nothing and built his own cotton fortune, she that would fit my theory. He is kind toward blacks because he was raised in poorer conditions, where her mother was always raised in a home with family. This goes along with the relevance of class to racism.
I also found it ironic that Skeeter's boyfriend's house seems like "a shrine to the War Between the States," meaning the Civil War. What the war is greatly known for in the issue of slavery. So is this house a symbol of the part of society stuck in the past and unwilling to let go of slavery? Or is it's juxtaposition to point out the irony of Skeeter encouraging the rights of maids in a society determined to oppress them? Either way it's relevance in the novel seems to point out how difficult it will be for Skeeter to find people who will actually accept the novel as something positive. The house highlights how Jackson seems to be stuck in the past, and is resistant to change for the future, which is most likely an obstacle the maids and Skeeter will face.
Quote #7 - The Help by Kathryn Stockett
July 26, 2011
Page 304
"These things I know already, yet hearing them from colored mouths, it is as if I am hearing them for the first time."
-Skeeter's thoughts after hearing more maid's stories
More maids have decided to open up to Miss Skeeter. While listening to their stories, Miss Skeeter is looking at society through new eyes. They are telling her about rules and boundaries that have been set for them, and even though Miss Skeeter knows about all of them, she's never heard them from someone else's point of view. They are opening her eyes up to a side of the story she's never even thought of before. It's as if she's finally taken off her rose-colored glasses.
I think this quote shows why Miss Skeeter's book is so important, but also why the book The Help is important. Both are telling a story that's never been told before. They are significant because they are letting us see things trough new eyes. We all know about Martin Luther King Jr. and the fight for civil rights, but we only know it through the white people's prospective as written in history books and shown on news channels. I think this quote shows the importance of the book Skeeter and Stockett are writing and what we can learn from it. It's to show us the same story we know, but from other side we've never even considered to think about.
"Optimism New Eyes." Pursuing Meaningful Life. Web. 26 Jul 2011. <http://pursuingmeaningfullife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Optimism-New-Eyes-300x200.jpg>.
Page 304
"These things I know already, yet hearing them from colored mouths, it is as if I am hearing them for the first time."
-Skeeter's thoughts after hearing more maid's stories
More maids have decided to open up to Miss Skeeter. While listening to their stories, Miss Skeeter is looking at society through new eyes. They are telling her about rules and boundaries that have been set for them, and even though Miss Skeeter knows about all of them, she's never heard them from someone else's point of view. They are opening her eyes up to a side of the story she's never even thought of before. It's as if she's finally taken off her rose-colored glasses.
I think this quote shows why Miss Skeeter's book is so important, but also why the book The Help is important. Both are telling a story that's never been told before. They are significant because they are letting us see things trough new eyes. We all know about Martin Luther King Jr. and the fight for civil rights, but we only know it through the white people's prospective as written in history books and shown on news channels. I think this quote shows the importance of the book Skeeter and Stockett are writing and what we can learn from it. It's to show us the same story we know, but from other side we've never even considered to think about.
"Optimism New Eyes." Pursuing Meaningful Life. Web. 26 Jul 2011. <http://pursuingmeaningfullife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Optimism-New-Eyes-300x200.jpg>.
Quote #6 - The Help by Kathryn Stockett
July 26, 2011
Pages 256
"But truth is, I don't care that much about voting. I don't care about eating at a couture with white people. What I care about is, if in ten years, a white lady will call my girls dirty and accuse them of stealing silver."
-Minny's reason for telling Miss Skeeter her story
Minny is not risking her life for her own pride, but for the future of her children. Like most others who participated in the civil rights movement, she wants a future society that will allow for her children to have equal rights as all others do. This reminds me of the Extra Credits video on strong female characters. Minny is a strong female, yes, but she is a caring mother and that's what makes her so important. Her motivation behind all of her actions is her children. The reason she puts up with crazy white people is to provide for her children. So the reason she wants change in their society is so when her girls have to work for white women one day, they won't be subjected to the same discrimination she is.
Minny has clearly stated she is not doing this for herself. This explains a lot of Minny's personality that may not have been clearly seen. Minny is self-less. She want nothing for herself. She dropped out of school to help make money to take care of her family with. She nursed her drunken father for 12 years before he died, even though she resented him every day. She put up with her husband's alcoholism and abuse, so her children have a father and a steady paycheck to take care of them. And now she is being self-less with Miss Celia, by letting Miss Celia take her time with telling Mister Johnny about Minny. This quote explains why Minny's action may not follow what she is thinking because she is actually a very caring person, which is not something you can tell from her hard demeanor.
Pages 256
"But truth is, I don't care that much about voting. I don't care about eating at a couture with white people. What I care about is, if in ten years, a white lady will call my girls dirty and accuse them of stealing silver."
-Minny's reason for telling Miss Skeeter her story
Minny is not risking her life for her own pride, but for the future of her children. Like most others who participated in the civil rights movement, she wants a future society that will allow for her children to have equal rights as all others do. This reminds me of the Extra Credits video on strong female characters. Minny is a strong female, yes, but she is a caring mother and that's what makes her so important. Her motivation behind all of her actions is her children. The reason she puts up with crazy white people is to provide for her children. So the reason she wants change in their society is so when her girls have to work for white women one day, they won't be subjected to the same discrimination she is.
Minny has clearly stated she is not doing this for herself. This explains a lot of Minny's personality that may not have been clearly seen. Minny is self-less. She want nothing for herself. She dropped out of school to help make money to take care of her family with. She nursed her drunken father for 12 years before he died, even though she resented him every day. She put up with her husband's alcoholism and abuse, so her children have a father and a steady paycheck to take care of them. And now she is being self-less with Miss Celia, by letting Miss Celia take her time with telling Mister Johnny about Minny. This quote explains why Minny's action may not follow what she is thinking because she is actually a very caring person, which is not something you can tell from her hard demeanor.
Reading Response #8 - The Help by Kathryn Stockett
July 26, 2011
Pages 249 - 279
Chapters 17 - 18
Minny's tolerance with Miss Celia's strange behavior finally come to it's boiling point during these chapters. At first Minny think Miss Celia is an alcoholic, which hurts her worse than anything. Minny sees Miss Celia as just another person who has disappointed her by turning to alcohol, like her father and husband. The fact that Miss Celia seems to be on the same level as Minny's father and husband shows that Minny really does care for Miss Celia.
It is then learned that Miss Celia isn't an alcoholic, but a pregnant woman who has had 3 pervious miscarriages. Minny learns this when Miss Celia experiences her 4th miscarriage. It explains why Miss Celia is so lazy, she's afraid if she moves too much, she'll lose the baby. After losing the baby, Miss Celia breaks down wondering why a child wouldn't want her as a mother. I see this as not only pain from the miscarriage, but pain rom being rejected from society. Miss Celia feels as if no one wants her, not as a friend, or a mother. Maybe Minny's job is to show her that people do care about her and want her in their life, and that's the significance of Minny's role to Miss Celia.
Minny wonders "how [Miss Celia got] this far in life without knowing where lines are drawn." Basically she doesn't understand how Miss Celia is where she is, when she doesn't seem to understand the basic rules in society, like you can't eat at the same table with the black help. I wonder if this shows the relevance of class to racism people are exposed to. Miss Celia is from a very poor part of Mississippi and I wonder if there, racism isn't that big of an issue. When you're so poor that you struggle just to eat everyday, who you're eating beside can seem like a trivial issue. Maybe the bigger the class, the more entitled you feel to mandatory segregation. That would explain why Miss Celia doesn't care what Minny does, but Miss Hilly is uptight about where her help puts their food. Miss Skeeter would be the only exception to this logic, but I think that's because she never fit into her society and always felt like an outcast, therefore related to the help better than she did her mother.
Pages 249 - 279
Chapters 17 - 18
Minny's tolerance with Miss Celia's strange behavior finally come to it's boiling point during these chapters. At first Minny think Miss Celia is an alcoholic, which hurts her worse than anything. Minny sees Miss Celia as just another person who has disappointed her by turning to alcohol, like her father and husband. The fact that Miss Celia seems to be on the same level as Minny's father and husband shows that Minny really does care for Miss Celia.
It is then learned that Miss Celia isn't an alcoholic, but a pregnant woman who has had 3 pervious miscarriages. Minny learns this when Miss Celia experiences her 4th miscarriage. It explains why Miss Celia is so lazy, she's afraid if she moves too much, she'll lose the baby. After losing the baby, Miss Celia breaks down wondering why a child wouldn't want her as a mother. I see this as not only pain from the miscarriage, but pain rom being rejected from society. Miss Celia feels as if no one wants her, not as a friend, or a mother. Maybe Minny's job is to show her that people do care about her and want her in their life, and that's the significance of Minny's role to Miss Celia.
Minny wonders "how [Miss Celia got] this far in life without knowing where lines are drawn." Basically she doesn't understand how Miss Celia is where she is, when she doesn't seem to understand the basic rules in society, like you can't eat at the same table with the black help. I wonder if this shows the relevance of class to racism people are exposed to. Miss Celia is from a very poor part of Mississippi and I wonder if there, racism isn't that big of an issue. When you're so poor that you struggle just to eat everyday, who you're eating beside can seem like a trivial issue. Maybe the bigger the class, the more entitled you feel to mandatory segregation. That would explain why Miss Celia doesn't care what Minny does, but Miss Hilly is uptight about where her help puts their food. Miss Skeeter would be the only exception to this logic, but I think that's because she never fit into her society and always felt like an outcast, therefore related to the help better than she did her mother.
"e73dabd73430f48." My Short Luteal Phase. Web. 26 Jul 2011. <http://www.myshortlutealphase.com/wp-content/uploads/e73dabd73430f48.jpg>.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Author Research - Kathryn Stockett - The Help
Kathryn Stockett was born and raised in Mississippi. Her family maid Demetrie raised her, along with her older brother and sister (Stockett). Once again art is imitating life by Stockett writing a story using the same condition is which she was raised.
Stockett is similar to the character Miss Skeeter. The way Constantine raised Skeeter is the same way Demetrie raised Kathryn. She became the mother in Stockett’s life after her parents divorced, and she would be away from her mother often. This relates back to the feeling of home Miss Skeeter felt when she was with Constantine.
Stockett moved to New York City when she was 24, hoping to escape a place that she had grown to love and loathe (Stockett). It was there she had a wake up call about the society she grew up in. While nearly all white households had a black maid in MI, in New York that wasn’t quite how things were. White people raised their own kids, and black had more rights to being equal. During this time she was able to get an outside prospective into Mississippi’s society. Like Miss Skeeter she wanted to write something of importance. She wanted people to see that underneath skin we are all just people.
Once again we see another character that is an extension of the author. Stockett never understood why races had to be separated. She saw it as just a part of life, until she was old enough to learn to be ashamed for believing someone is lucky to be working for her. I also see a mixture of Aibileen and Minny in the way Stockett describes Demetrie. Minny gets her wonderful cooking skills, and brutally honest personality from Demetrie. Aibileen gets her nurturing, motherly personality from her by comforting her and telling her such things like “you are beautiful,” like Aibileen does with Mae Mobley.
Stockett’s inspiration behind writing The Help is from a longing she has to ask Demetrie what it was like to be black in Mississippi. Stockett wanted to write a book that answers that question, using the knowledge her has from what she seen growing up. This shows that in society in Jackson during 60’s, racism and verbal attacks on colors was not something to shield children from., but they were in fact exposed to it. Which shows how miraculous it is that extreme racism was able to finally die out of society.
Stockett has an unusual method of research. Which trying to uncover background information on life in Mississippi during the 60’s she looked through old telephone books. She was able to determine how high class it was, based off the number of department stores. She was also able to judge the importance of women in society and how not many pursued an education based off the lack of female doctors and lawyer (Interview). Her unconventional research method allowed for her to have an unbiased view of society.
The Help was Stockett’s debut album. She now lives in Atlanta, GA with her husband and daughter.
Stockett, Kathryn. The Help. New York, NY : Berkley Publishing Group, 2009. 525 - 530. Print.
Stockett, Kathryn. Intervew. 13 Feb 2009. Bookreporter.com. Print. 25 Jul 2011. <http://www.bookreporter.com/authors/au-stockett-kathryn.asp>.
"Kathryn Stockett head." Quillp.com. Web. 25 Jul 2011. <http://www2009.brenau.edu/images/StandardImage/Kathry%20stockett%20head%20sm.jpg>.
Reading Response #7 - The Help by Kathryn Stockett
July 25, 2011
Pages 214 - 248
Chapters 14 - 16
The repercussions of what they are doing are finally hitting Aibileen. She is just now realizing what could happen to them if caught. She thinks of how white women are not violent like men, but when they get revenge they do it by slowly taking away everything you have. But Aibileen finds pride in her stories. It seems like, the more stories she writes down, the more important this becomes to her. I think she is coming to a point where she realizes it is time for a change. She can't live in fear of the white people forever. I see how she can feel annoyed by her community constantly being put down. Imagine having more years of education than your boss. How degrading would it feel to have worked more than the person bossing you around. That is the case with some of these maids and it is getting frustrating.
In these chapters a field secretary, Medgar Evers, for the NAACP is killed allegedly by the KKK. I google it and found that it really happened. On June 12, 1963 he was shot outside of his home (Medgar). The impact on his death on the community of characters in The Help is one of fear and anger. Some people feel as if they don't fight back, white people won't stop till they're all dead, which angers them. And that's why others now live in fear. Minny worries about what will happen to their family if she is discovered. Aibileen just worries that people won't ever find out the truth if she doesn't get to finish telling her story. I think Evers factual death is added to the story to show how far people went during that time to stop the advancement of African Americans. It gives a tone of suspense to the story, now wondering what will happen to the maids, and also displays the rising tension between the two races during the time. It seems to be the rising action leading up to the climax when they finally clash.
"Medgar Evers." Africa Within. Gale Group Inc., 2001. Web. 25 Jul 2011. <http://www.africawithin.com/bios/medgar_evers.htm>.
Pages 214 - 248
Chapters 14 - 16
The repercussions of what they are doing are finally hitting Aibileen. She is just now realizing what could happen to them if caught. She thinks of how white women are not violent like men, but when they get revenge they do it by slowly taking away everything you have. But Aibileen finds pride in her stories. It seems like, the more stories she writes down, the more important this becomes to her. I think she is coming to a point where she realizes it is time for a change. She can't live in fear of the white people forever. I see how she can feel annoyed by her community constantly being put down. Imagine having more years of education than your boss. How degrading would it feel to have worked more than the person bossing you around. That is the case with some of these maids and it is getting frustrating.
In these chapters a field secretary, Medgar Evers, for the NAACP is killed allegedly by the KKK. I google it and found that it really happened. On June 12, 1963 he was shot outside of his home (Medgar). The impact on his death on the community of characters in The Help is one of fear and anger. Some people feel as if they don't fight back, white people won't stop till they're all dead, which angers them. And that's why others now live in fear. Minny worries about what will happen to their family if she is discovered. Aibileen just worries that people won't ever find out the truth if she doesn't get to finish telling her story. I think Evers factual death is added to the story to show how far people went during that time to stop the advancement of African Americans. It gives a tone of suspense to the story, now wondering what will happen to the maids, and also displays the rising tension between the two races during the time. It seems to be the rising action leading up to the climax when they finally clash.
"Medgar Evers." Africa Within. Gale Group Inc., 2001. Web. 25 Jul 2011. <http://www.africawithin.com/bios/medgar_evers.htm>.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Extra Credits: Race
Diversity, in it's more basic term, is diverse. To be different. Whether it's race, gender, religion, ect., it is what separates a character from others. It's also the key to shaping their personality and view on the world. Without diversity all characters would be the same and there would be no conflict, therefore no plot to any sort of art. Diversity is what makes a society, a society. It's the blend of all the cultures together.
While both A Lesson Before Dying and The Help both have main conflict centering around race, The Help uses the point of view from two ethnic groups to shape the views of the society. Minny and Aibileen face the challenge of being seen as a lower part of society because of their race. During the 60's the order of importance was white men, white women, black men, black women, so you can say they were considered the lowest of the low. They have to face being ordered around, using separate restrooms, grocery stores, refrigerators, and such, and dealing with constant bigotry of the ignorant white people.
At first they accept it because that just the way things were. But they soon grew to resent their bosses and decided to do something about it. They were going to tell the truth. This is monumental for the time because it was something never done before. Minny and Aibileen could have been characters that just used their race as an excuse for everything wrong in their lives, but instead they used it to help shape their personality and fight by using it, not going against it. They find pride in who they are, and use that to get them through the racist issues they face.
Now Miss Skeeter is through whom we see the white people's prospective. But she does not represent the white society as a whole. She shows us how some sympathize with the challenges African Americans face, but there isn't much they can do about it without greater societal consequences. Miss Skeeter shows us the familial connection that some children who were raised by maids, feel to the people who raised them, thus subconsciously being more accepting to blacks. She symbolizes the blindness children have to color and race, and the innocence they carry with them through their childhood. But her friends, Miss Hilly and Mrs. Leefolt show how that innocence doesn't always last. Society conforms them to believe in the division of races and how the two cannot intermingle. That's where Miss Skeeter is dumbfounded how society can turn their back on the people who raised them and have been a pseudo-mother to them.
Even in today society racism is still an issue. It's a learned practice from our parents. That is something The Help questions. How come, if you are raised by a person of a different race you can grow to think you are better than them? If racism is a learned habit, how do you learn it if you are raise by someone unlike you? I think this is where society comes into play. No matter how much you love someone, you always feel the need to be accept by your peers and will do what is necessary to fit in. I think this is the driving force behind how all the innocent little children grew up to be the small minded people they are. And why Miss Skeeter, who never felt like she fit in, except with Constantine, isn't shamed away by the idea of working with the help.
While both A Lesson Before Dying and The Help both have main conflict centering around race, The Help uses the point of view from two ethnic groups to shape the views of the society. Minny and Aibileen face the challenge of being seen as a lower part of society because of their race. During the 60's the order of importance was white men, white women, black men, black women, so you can say they were considered the lowest of the low. They have to face being ordered around, using separate restrooms, grocery stores, refrigerators, and such, and dealing with constant bigotry of the ignorant white people.
At first they accept it because that just the way things were. But they soon grew to resent their bosses and decided to do something about it. They were going to tell the truth. This is monumental for the time because it was something never done before. Minny and Aibileen could have been characters that just used their race as an excuse for everything wrong in their lives, but instead they used it to help shape their personality and fight by using it, not going against it. They find pride in who they are, and use that to get them through the racist issues they face.
Now Miss Skeeter is through whom we see the white people's prospective. But she does not represent the white society as a whole. She shows us how some sympathize with the challenges African Americans face, but there isn't much they can do about it without greater societal consequences. Miss Skeeter shows us the familial connection that some children who were raised by maids, feel to the people who raised them, thus subconsciously being more accepting to blacks. She symbolizes the blindness children have to color and race, and the innocence they carry with them through their childhood. But her friends, Miss Hilly and Mrs. Leefolt show how that innocence doesn't always last. Society conforms them to believe in the division of races and how the two cannot intermingle. That's where Miss Skeeter is dumbfounded how society can turn their back on the people who raised them and have been a pseudo-mother to them.
Even in today society racism is still an issue. It's a learned practice from our parents. That is something The Help questions. How come, if you are raised by a person of a different race you can grow to think you are better than them? If racism is a learned habit, how do you learn it if you are raise by someone unlike you? I think this is where society comes into play. No matter how much you love someone, you always feel the need to be accept by your peers and will do what is necessary to fit in. I think this is the driving force behind how all the innocent little children grew up to be the small minded people they are. And why Miss Skeeter, who never felt like she fit in, except with Constantine, isn't shamed away by the idea of working with the help.
Extra Credits: Sex
Sex. Sex. Sex. Why do we find it so fascinating? I think it is because it one of those things that aren't to be discussed. Sex is seen as an "adult" activity, and off limits for discussion. That's what makes it so interesting. It's off limits, and restricted. If you tell someone they can't know about something, they won't rest until they find out about it. Sex will always be controversial, therefore it will always be a subject of interest. But it's not just about sex. Sex is just the act that shows the physical aspect of a relationship. There is also sexuality which adds more to the personality and rationale behind a character, and intimacy, which shows the emotional connection that comes with a relationship.
In the 1960's sex wasn't a topic openly discussed. As said in The Help, wearing a skirt that showed your knee caps was considered scandalous. While sex isn't a issue in The Help, sexuality is mentioned. Miss Skeeter's mother takes concerns that Skeeter is a lesbian, when she isn't interested in getting married right away. She even goes as far as to give her "sexual-correction tea" to cure her of her disinterest in men. Clearly this shows that in the society Miss Skeeter lives in, being homosexual is a extreme faux-paux, and is looked down upon. Acceptance into the society was affected by sexuality during this time. Even though Miss Skeeter is heterosexual, the aspect of stressing out her mother, by letting her make her own assumption was too good to pass up. I find it ironic that in both their time and our current time, pretending to be gay is a sure way to give your parents a coronary.
Sex and intimacy is lacking in The Help. Most married couple don't openly express their love for one another, although judging by the number of kids being born, sex does in fact exist. Miss Skeeter is slowing gaining a relationship with a senator's son, but she still keeps him at arm's length. Basically what is expressed in The Help, is that sex is not a talked about issue. That's reflective of the conservative society they lived in. Mississippi is a part of the "Bible belt," which consist of the southeastern states. Sex and sexuality is considered sinful in the very religious society they are apart of. And that is shown by the absence of sex in the book.
However, in A Lesson Before Dying Grant found much comfort in his relationship with Vivian. When he had sex with her, he felt whole. But I think that's more than just the pleasure of sex he felt, but the intimacy he felt with her. The emotional connection he had with her, was one the one thing to keep him grounded most of the time. He even admitted, what kept him in the town he was in, was Vivian. Their intimacy played a key role in how Grant dealt with his frustrations after his visits with Jefferson. I see that as showing how Grant is more of a logical thinker than a believer. He struggles with his belief in God because there is no concrete proof. But his physical relationship with Vivian, gives him something he can actually touch to connect the feeling of love with. And I think that one of the reason why he is able to open himself to love, with Vivian, his aunt, and Jefferson.
Both novels take place during a time of sexual explorations. That, of course, varies by the region, as shown in the books. In A Lesson Before Dying, Louisiana is more open to the new times, where sex isn't something to be ashamed of. But The Help, set in Mississippi, isn't open to the idea of sex being public knowledge. I find both views fitting for the society we live in today. While sex and sexuality is broadcasted all over the media, there are still people who find the discussion of sex inappropriate. Overall society is more accepting of the openness of sexuality, but there will always be those people who find it uncomfortable.
In the 1960's sex wasn't a topic openly discussed. As said in The Help, wearing a skirt that showed your knee caps was considered scandalous. While sex isn't a issue in The Help, sexuality is mentioned. Miss Skeeter's mother takes concerns that Skeeter is a lesbian, when she isn't interested in getting married right away. She even goes as far as to give her "sexual-correction tea" to cure her of her disinterest in men. Clearly this shows that in the society Miss Skeeter lives in, being homosexual is a extreme faux-paux, and is looked down upon. Acceptance into the society was affected by sexuality during this time. Even though Miss Skeeter is heterosexual, the aspect of stressing out her mother, by letting her make her own assumption was too good to pass up. I find it ironic that in both their time and our current time, pretending to be gay is a sure way to give your parents a coronary.
Sex and intimacy is lacking in The Help. Most married couple don't openly express their love for one another, although judging by the number of kids being born, sex does in fact exist. Miss Skeeter is slowing gaining a relationship with a senator's son, but she still keeps him at arm's length. Basically what is expressed in The Help, is that sex is not a talked about issue. That's reflective of the conservative society they lived in. Mississippi is a part of the "Bible belt," which consist of the southeastern states. Sex and sexuality is considered sinful in the very religious society they are apart of. And that is shown by the absence of sex in the book.
However, in A Lesson Before Dying Grant found much comfort in his relationship with Vivian. When he had sex with her, he felt whole. But I think that's more than just the pleasure of sex he felt, but the intimacy he felt with her. The emotional connection he had with her, was one the one thing to keep him grounded most of the time. He even admitted, what kept him in the town he was in, was Vivian. Their intimacy played a key role in how Grant dealt with his frustrations after his visits with Jefferson. I see that as showing how Grant is more of a logical thinker than a believer. He struggles with his belief in God because there is no concrete proof. But his physical relationship with Vivian, gives him something he can actually touch to connect the feeling of love with. And I think that one of the reason why he is able to open himself to love, with Vivian, his aunt, and Jefferson.
Both novels take place during a time of sexual explorations. That, of course, varies by the region, as shown in the books. In A Lesson Before Dying, Louisiana is more open to the new times, where sex isn't something to be ashamed of. But The Help, set in Mississippi, isn't open to the idea of sex being public knowledge. I find both views fitting for the society we live in today. While sex and sexuality is broadcasted all over the media, there are still people who find the discussion of sex inappropriate. Overall society is more accepting of the openness of sexuality, but there will always be those people who find it uncomfortable.
Quote #5 - The Help by Kathryn Stockett
July 22, 2011
Page 195
"Look to me like you just writing life."
-Minny telling Miss Skeeter what she's really writing about.
Miss Skeeter desires to write about something life changing. She wants to make society aware of how the maids really are treated. But Minny points out something here. Miss Skeeter isn't writing about rights the help do or don't have, but she's really writing about the life they live. This is what they've always known they would be when they grew up. I can see Minny wonders why is her life stories so important? What about being a lowly house maid, makes her significant? Why would anybody want to know about the life of a black woman in Mississippi? These are the questions that make Minny so suspicious of Miss Skeeter's intentions.
To me this quote helps to clear up my confusion as to why other maids would be so resistant about opening up to Miss Skeeter. She wants to know about life. Their life. Their life which would very well be taken if they are found out. For Aibileen and Minny, this is a life and death situation. There is no light punishment for revealing what they know. Which I think really says a lot about how important it to them for the world to really know the truth about the life they have. The well known quote "knowledge is power," by Sir Francis Bacon really comes into play here. Maybe if by the world having the knowledge of what really goes on, the help can gain more power, meaning more rights. Maybe this isn't the driving force behind Aibileen and Minny, but I think that thought lays subconsciously in their minds, which makes it worth the risk.
But why are their lives so important? I believe that everyone has a purpose in life. Some people's purpose is to do something extraordinary like cure cancer, or invent electricity, and other's purpose is to just affect the life of one other person. Maybe the maid's aren't destined to have a world shattering affect of people, but they can on one person. Most likely the children they raise and future children. We see in the book that Constantine's teachings have taught Miss Skeeter to be a better person, and Aibileen's trying to do the same with Mae Mobley. Their importance maybe is just to make one person be a better morally and treat all others with more respect.
Page 195
"Look to me like you just writing life."
-Minny telling Miss Skeeter what she's really writing about.
Miss Skeeter desires to write about something life changing. She wants to make society aware of how the maids really are treated. But Minny points out something here. Miss Skeeter isn't writing about rights the help do or don't have, but she's really writing about the life they live. This is what they've always known they would be when they grew up. I can see Minny wonders why is her life stories so important? What about being a lowly house maid, makes her significant? Why would anybody want to know about the life of a black woman in Mississippi? These are the questions that make Minny so suspicious of Miss Skeeter's intentions.
To me this quote helps to clear up my confusion as to why other maids would be so resistant about opening up to Miss Skeeter. She wants to know about life. Their life. Their life which would very well be taken if they are found out. For Aibileen and Minny, this is a life and death situation. There is no light punishment for revealing what they know. Which I think really says a lot about how important it to them for the world to really know the truth about the life they have. The well known quote "knowledge is power," by Sir Francis Bacon really comes into play here. Maybe if by the world having the knowledge of what really goes on, the help can gain more power, meaning more rights. Maybe this isn't the driving force behind Aibileen and Minny, but I think that thought lays subconsciously in their minds, which makes it worth the risk.
But why are their lives so important? I believe that everyone has a purpose in life. Some people's purpose is to do something extraordinary like cure cancer, or invent electricity, and other's purpose is to just affect the life of one other person. Maybe the maid's aren't destined to have a world shattering affect of people, but they can on one person. Most likely the children they raise and future children. We see in the book that Constantine's teachings have taught Miss Skeeter to be a better person, and Aibileen's trying to do the same with Mae Mobley. Their importance maybe is just to make one person be a better morally and treat all others with more respect.
Reading Response #6 - The Help by Kathryn Stockett
July 22, 2011
Pages 177 - 213
Chapters 12- 13
Miss Skeeter has found another maid to open up to her. Minny is willing to tell her stories but she questions the motives Miss Skeeter has behind talking to the help. I guess her distrust comes from people like Miss Hilly who make up lies about her. While speaking to Miss Skeeter about her experiences, whenever she mentions Miss Celia, she stops and says, "Miss Celia isn't a part of this." I think Minny is trying to protect her because she is growing closer to her. Also it seems as if she doesn't want to put Miss Celia in the same category as her previous bosses because she is not like them. She's not cruel or demanding, she's genuinely nice and doesn't deserve to be talked about like the rest because she is different.
This could signify the beginning of a new trust Minny has toward white people. Perhaps this shows that white people aren't the only one's who need an attitude change, but blacks have to be more accepting of whites too. Ironic the people fighting for change, need a change themselves. I think this is trying to show the inevitable rights you have to give up to be a part of society. Back when the pilgrims came over to America on the Mayflower, they signed the Mayflower Compact saying they give up some of their rights for the greater good of the society. I see this as a idea that has since been applied to societies. So in order for the maids and all African Americans to be accepted into society, they have to give up the rights they are fighting for. So what are they really fighting for? Clearly it can't be rights, so just the truth maybe? Maybe the idea that the general public will know how white families really are in their homes will be satisfactory. Maybe they are trying to make society see how two faced they all really are.
While in the library getting Aibileen some books to read, Miss Skeeter stumbled across a book containing the Jim Crow laws. They are laws that prevent African Americans from having access to the same rights as white people. She was shocked because she had never seen them written in her entire life. She knew the rules, but they had never been spoken to her. To me, it seems like one of those things people aren't supposed to talk about because they are considered shameful. Things like sex, drugs, war, are considered 'unmentionable' because they are sinful. So if society is putting the Jim Crow laws on the same level as sex, how come they find no shame in it, or desire to get rid of it? But they again, they can't get rid of sex, only bury it so it's never mentioned. So that is what they do about segregation, bury it so it isn't discussed. Which could foreshadow a potentially negative response to Skeeter's potential book.
Miss Skeeter also makes a connection with the Jim Crow laws and Miss Hilly's bathroom demands. She wonders how they are really any different. They both recognize the so called 'need' for segregation. Laws are made to be followed, or else there is a punishment. And in the society Miss Skeeter lives in, if you don't follow Miss Hilly's rules, you will be punished. The fact that Miss Skeeter is now seeing her childhood friends' flaws shows the growth she's had since talking to Aibileen and Minny. They have opened her eyes to really see the prejudice society they live in.
Pages 177 - 213
Chapters 12- 13
Miss Skeeter has found another maid to open up to her. Minny is willing to tell her stories but she questions the motives Miss Skeeter has behind talking to the help. I guess her distrust comes from people like Miss Hilly who make up lies about her. While speaking to Miss Skeeter about her experiences, whenever she mentions Miss Celia, she stops and says, "Miss Celia isn't a part of this." I think Minny is trying to protect her because she is growing closer to her. Also it seems as if she doesn't want to put Miss Celia in the same category as her previous bosses because she is not like them. She's not cruel or demanding, she's genuinely nice and doesn't deserve to be talked about like the rest because she is different.
This could signify the beginning of a new trust Minny has toward white people. Perhaps this shows that white people aren't the only one's who need an attitude change, but blacks have to be more accepting of whites too. Ironic the people fighting for change, need a change themselves. I think this is trying to show the inevitable rights you have to give up to be a part of society. Back when the pilgrims came over to America on the Mayflower, they signed the Mayflower Compact saying they give up some of their rights for the greater good of the society. I see this as a idea that has since been applied to societies. So in order for the maids and all African Americans to be accepted into society, they have to give up the rights they are fighting for. So what are they really fighting for? Clearly it can't be rights, so just the truth maybe? Maybe the idea that the general public will know how white families really are in their homes will be satisfactory. Maybe they are trying to make society see how two faced they all really are.
While in the library getting Aibileen some books to read, Miss Skeeter stumbled across a book containing the Jim Crow laws. They are laws that prevent African Americans from having access to the same rights as white people. She was shocked because she had never seen them written in her entire life. She knew the rules, but they had never been spoken to her. To me, it seems like one of those things people aren't supposed to talk about because they are considered shameful. Things like sex, drugs, war, are considered 'unmentionable' because they are sinful. So if society is putting the Jim Crow laws on the same level as sex, how come they find no shame in it, or desire to get rid of it? But they again, they can't get rid of sex, only bury it so it's never mentioned. So that is what they do about segregation, bury it so it isn't discussed. Which could foreshadow a potentially negative response to Skeeter's potential book.
Miss Skeeter also makes a connection with the Jim Crow laws and Miss Hilly's bathroom demands. She wonders how they are really any different. They both recognize the so called 'need' for segregation. Laws are made to be followed, or else there is a punishment. And in the society Miss Skeeter lives in, if you don't follow Miss Hilly's rules, you will be punished. The fact that Miss Skeeter is now seeing her childhood friends' flaws shows the growth she's had since talking to Aibileen and Minny. They have opened her eyes to really see the prejudice society they live in.
Reading Response #5 - The Help by Kathryn Stockett
July 22, 1011
Pages 144 - 176
Chapters 10 - 12
First off, we have finally been giving a date of reference. Miss Skeeter mentions the radio stations have been playing Patsy Cline, since she had just died. I looked it up and found that she was killed in a plane accident on March 5, 1963 (Remembering). And just for fun, I'll mention also on March 5th the hula hoop was patented (History). In a month, Martin Luther King Jr. will be arrested in Birmingham, and he will write "Letter from Birmingham City Jail." The March on Washington will occur a few months later in August. The novel is being set right in the peak of the civil rights movement.
We are taken back to Minny's point of view. She is still having to deal with the strange personality of Miss Celia. One day, when Miss Celia get sick, she snaps on Minny and yells at her. This makes Minny feel bad because it is the first time Miss Celia has ever yelled at her. I think this shows that Minny is growing to care for Miss Celia, and almost having a sort of friendship with her. And I think this once again related back to Miss Celia's childlike innocence, which probably gives Minny the sense of caring for a child, which may be why she is allowing herself to grow closer to her.
Miss Celia has a mimosa tree in her back yard. She spoke earlier of how she wished to care for it, but as winter comes, it turns black, and Miss Celia just wishes to cut it down. I feel as if Miss Celia has a connection to this tree. Perhaps the tree symbolizes how Miss Celia feels in this new society. She wishes to fit in, and care for it. Like she initially felt for the tree. Now after much rejection, she feels depressed and unwelcome. Like the tree, once it turned black. But Minny spies green buds on the tree, looking up toward the sun. Perhaps this is foreshadowing, Miss Celia's future acceptance in society. Or it could stand for whatever Miss Celia's fascination is with the empty children's rooms in her home she likes to sneak into. Maybe why Miss Celia seems so sickly is related to a disire to have children? Ironic that Miss Celia, who resembles a child so much, is wanting to have a child of her own.
Miss Skeeter and Aibileen begin working on Aibileen's interview of what it's like to working in white people's homes. At first they struggle, because Aibileen doesn't feel as if she can open up. Miss Skeeter finds the key to getting Aibileen comfortable around her by doing things, like waiting on her, to show her that she is not a maid when they are together, but just another woman in Jackson. Minny and Aibileen's new relationship with white women show there is a shift in society. I think this relates back to the events that are occurring around them. Schools are being integrated. African Americans are gaining more rights. And these events are reflected by the relationships growing in these chapters.
X, Razor. "Remembering March 5, 1963." My Kind Of Country (2009): n. pag. Web. 22 Jul 2011. <http://mykindofcountry.wordpress.com/2009/03/05/remembering-march-5-1963/>.
"This Day in History - March 5." History.com. A&E Television Networks, n.d. Web. 22 Jul 2011. <http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/hula-hoop-patented>.
"King." Nobel Prize. Web. 22 Jul 2011. <http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/1964/king.jpg>.
Pages 144 - 176
Chapters 10 - 12
First off, we have finally been giving a date of reference. Miss Skeeter mentions the radio stations have been playing Patsy Cline, since she had just died. I looked it up and found that she was killed in a plane accident on March 5, 1963 (Remembering). And just for fun, I'll mention also on March 5th the hula hoop was patented (History). In a month, Martin Luther King Jr. will be arrested in Birmingham, and he will write "Letter from Birmingham City Jail." The March on Washington will occur a few months later in August. The novel is being set right in the peak of the civil rights movement.
We are taken back to Minny's point of view. She is still having to deal with the strange personality of Miss Celia. One day, when Miss Celia get sick, she snaps on Minny and yells at her. This makes Minny feel bad because it is the first time Miss Celia has ever yelled at her. I think this shows that Minny is growing to care for Miss Celia, and almost having a sort of friendship with her. And I think this once again related back to Miss Celia's childlike innocence, which probably gives Minny the sense of caring for a child, which may be why she is allowing herself to grow closer to her.
Miss Celia has a mimosa tree in her back yard. She spoke earlier of how she wished to care for it, but as winter comes, it turns black, and Miss Celia just wishes to cut it down. I feel as if Miss Celia has a connection to this tree. Perhaps the tree symbolizes how Miss Celia feels in this new society. She wishes to fit in, and care for it. Like she initially felt for the tree. Now after much rejection, she feels depressed and unwelcome. Like the tree, once it turned black. But Minny spies green buds on the tree, looking up toward the sun. Perhaps this is foreshadowing, Miss Celia's future acceptance in society. Or it could stand for whatever Miss Celia's fascination is with the empty children's rooms in her home she likes to sneak into. Maybe why Miss Celia seems so sickly is related to a disire to have children? Ironic that Miss Celia, who resembles a child so much, is wanting to have a child of her own.
Miss Skeeter and Aibileen begin working on Aibileen's interview of what it's like to working in white people's homes. At first they struggle, because Aibileen doesn't feel as if she can open up. Miss Skeeter finds the key to getting Aibileen comfortable around her by doing things, like waiting on her, to show her that she is not a maid when they are together, but just another woman in Jackson. Minny and Aibileen's new relationship with white women show there is a shift in society. I think this relates back to the events that are occurring around them. Schools are being integrated. African Americans are gaining more rights. And these events are reflected by the relationships growing in these chapters.
X, Razor. "Remembering March 5, 1963." My Kind Of Country (2009): n. pag. Web. 22 Jul 2011. <http://mykindofcountry.wordpress.com/2009/03/05/remembering-march-5-1963/>.
"This Day in History - March 5." History.com. A&E Television Networks, n.d. Web. 22 Jul 2011. <http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/hula-hoop-patented>.
"King." Nobel Prize. Web. 22 Jul 2011. <http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/1964/king.jpg>.
Quote #4 - The Help by Kathryn Stockett
July 22, 2011
Page 176
"Shame ain't black, like dirt, like I always thought it was. Shame be the color of a new white uniform your mother ironed all night to pay for, white without a smudge or a speck a work-dirt on it."
-Aibileen's thought after getting fired from her first job, on her first day.
I find this quote to be symbolic to the races of society. During this time period, to be black was something to be shameful of. African Americans were the lower class in society. Being white was something to have pride in. They were seemingly superior to all others. I think that Aibileen saying this is when she realized to have pride in where she came from. And not just that, but to not think that any white person is better than her, even if she has to act like it. She realized that she should not find shame in her race, but in the attitudes and actions of the white people.
I also see the dirt symbolic to the differences in the classes. Most white people during that time didn't have jobs that required them to get down and dirty. Most were business people, or if they were farmers, hired people to do their dirty work. I see the dirt standing for the harder work that African Americans had to do, as opposed to the more leisurely jobs white people held. That's what I see Aibileen referring to when she found shame that her apron did not have a speck of work-dirt on it. It almost seems like she works like white people do.
Page 176
"Shame ain't black, like dirt, like I always thought it was. Shame be the color of a new white uniform your mother ironed all night to pay for, white without a smudge or a speck a work-dirt on it."
-Aibileen's thought after getting fired from her first job, on her first day.
I find this quote to be symbolic to the races of society. During this time period, to be black was something to be shameful of. African Americans were the lower class in society. Being white was something to have pride in. They were seemingly superior to all others. I think that Aibileen saying this is when she realized to have pride in where she came from. And not just that, but to not think that any white person is better than her, even if she has to act like it. She realized that she should not find shame in her race, but in the attitudes and actions of the white people.
I also see the dirt symbolic to the differences in the classes. Most white people during that time didn't have jobs that required them to get down and dirty. Most were business people, or if they were farmers, hired people to do their dirty work. I see the dirt standing for the harder work that African Americans had to do, as opposed to the more leisurely jobs white people held. That's what I see Aibileen referring to when she found shame that her apron did not have a speck of work-dirt on it. It almost seems like she works like white people do.
"Dirty Hands." Lindsey Nobels. Web. 22 Jul 2011. <http://www.lindseynobles.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/Dirty-Hands.jpg>.
"Plain White Apron." Zazzle.com. Web. 22 Jul 2011. <http://rlv.zcache.com/plain_white_apron-p1540366673416748523g3j_400.jpg>.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Quote #3 - The Help by Kathryn Stockett
July 21, 2011
Page 107
"'You a kind girl,' and she nod, repeat it back to me...and that's when I get to wondering, what would happen if I told her she something good, ever day?"
-Aibileen thinking about Mae Mobley's future
Mrs. Leefolt seems to have lots of resignation about raising her child. She says nothing to her, until Mae Mobley does something bad. Mae Maobley has said to Aibileen several times "Mae Mo bad," after she gets yelled at. This reminds me of when my niece was 2, she was quite chunky so when we picking her up we would groan and say "Oh, Aubrey, you're heavy." It got to the point where every time you picked her up she would say, "Ooo, I heh-bee." It takes a child hearing that several times, for them to connect it to a specific action, especially when they are only 2. That shows how much Mae Mobley is reprimanded by her mother.
It also shows how susceptible children are to repeating what they hear. I see Aibileen's thinking maybe if Mae constantly hears she is important, she will grow up to believe. I think this shows to importance of surroundings of the affect of a child's personality. I this relates to today's society as well. For instance if a child is raised around a father who beats it's mother, they are more likely to be abusive toward their future spouse. So if Mae Mobley is raised by a uncaring woman, who is much like her own mother, she will raise her children is the same way. Maybe this is Aibileen's attempt to break the cycle of white mothers being uncaring toward their children, in hopes that Mae Mobley will be a loving mother to her own kids.
Now Aibileen has had enough. She's raised so many children and she hopes that they won't grow up to be like their parents. I think, she believes if she speaks of positives to Mae then, Mae will like good of herself, but also she will like Aibileen, even when she's older. I think she's trying to raise Mae to be opened to the possibility of change, by showing African Americans are nice. She wants to help her. As opposed to her mother, who really wants nothing to do with her. Also this is the time to teach children lessons. A former child of Aibileen's told her he had never drank a cup of coffee, since she told him it would turn him colored. That shows how subjective a child's mind is to the things they learn when they are young. Which means, if Mae Mobley only hears bad, when she grows up, she'll only think bad. But if Aibileen tells her she is a kind person, she will grow up to be kind.
Page 107
"'You a kind girl,' and she nod, repeat it back to me...and that's when I get to wondering, what would happen if I told her she something good, ever day?"
-Aibileen thinking about Mae Mobley's future
Mrs. Leefolt seems to have lots of resignation about raising her child. She says nothing to her, until Mae Mobley does something bad. Mae Maobley has said to Aibileen several times "Mae Mo bad," after she gets yelled at. This reminds me of when my niece was 2, she was quite chunky so when we picking her up we would groan and say "Oh, Aubrey, you're heavy." It got to the point where every time you picked her up she would say, "Ooo, I heh-bee." It takes a child hearing that several times, for them to connect it to a specific action, especially when they are only 2. That shows how much Mae Mobley is reprimanded by her mother.
It also shows how susceptible children are to repeating what they hear. I see Aibileen's thinking maybe if Mae constantly hears she is important, she will grow up to believe. I think this shows to importance of surroundings of the affect of a child's personality. I this relates to today's society as well. For instance if a child is raised around a father who beats it's mother, they are more likely to be abusive toward their future spouse. So if Mae Mobley is raised by a uncaring woman, who is much like her own mother, she will raise her children is the same way. Maybe this is Aibileen's attempt to break the cycle of white mothers being uncaring toward their children, in hopes that Mae Mobley will be a loving mother to her own kids.
Now Aibileen has had enough. She's raised so many children and she hopes that they won't grow up to be like their parents. I think, she believes if she speaks of positives to Mae then, Mae will like good of herself, but also she will like Aibileen, even when she's older. I think she's trying to raise Mae to be opened to the possibility of change, by showing African Americans are nice. She wants to help her. As opposed to her mother, who really wants nothing to do with her. Also this is the time to teach children lessons. A former child of Aibileen's told her he had never drank a cup of coffee, since she told him it would turn him colored. That shows how subjective a child's mind is to the things they learn when they are young. Which means, if Mae Mobley only hears bad, when she grows up, she'll only think bad. But if Aibileen tells her she is a kind person, she will grow up to be kind.
Reading Response #4 - The Help by Kathryn Stockett
July 21, 2011
Pages 105 - 143
Chapters 7 - 9
In these chapters Miss Skeeter approaches Aibileen about interviewing her about her thoughts on working for white families. Initially Aibileen says no. After all, a black man in the community was just beaten blind with a tire iron for accidentally using the wrong restroom, imagined if she got caught. But after an encounter with Miss Hilly, Aibileen wants the world to know what kinda of people she's worked for.
I think Aibileen has finally had enough, after Mrs. Leefolt spanks Mae Mobley for using Aibileen's toilet, because she could catch "black people diseases." Aibileen realized nothing is going to change until she does something about it. This goes back to Miss Skeeter's earlier question to Aibileen, "do you wish things would change?" I think after seeing the violence white people inflict as a result from actions by african americans, she's finally had enough, and wants to work toward being treated more fairly. She wants to educate the oh-so-smart white people that, no, you can't catch "black people diseases", nor can you make up lies about help, and get away with it.
The only way to fight ignorance is with knowledge. That's the whole idea behind what Skeeter wants to do. She wants to educate society on the true personalities of society's more elite. It's funny how the help has so much power with their knowledge of prominent families, but they are treated worthlessly. By Aibileen finally standing up, she is symbolically saying that she is using her most powerful weapon. Women in society care about nothing more than their appearance in society, and if their help spoke out, they would lose their standing in society. This is where the help would hold the power in this situation.
Miss Skeeter points out some irony on page 123. She points out that the help raises children, only to be working for them 20 years later. That they love each other, and consider the other their family, but they aren't even allowed to use the same toilet. That just says a lot about society. From a young age we are learned to respect out elders. That goes back to the 10 commandments, "obey thy mother and father." So if someone is like a mother to you, how can you grow into such a mindset that it's ok to boss them around? You think people, like Miss Hilly, would be more respectful to the person who is responsible for potty training them. It's unreal how over time, people's minds seem to reset themselves. Yet not all do. Like Miss Skeeter. I'm beginning to see that's because Constantine had more involvement in letting her decide things for themselves, but her mother was more controlling. Maybe Miss Skeeter's belief are a result of a inner rebellion she has from her mother.
Pages 105 - 143
Chapters 7 - 9
In these chapters Miss Skeeter approaches Aibileen about interviewing her about her thoughts on working for white families. Initially Aibileen says no. After all, a black man in the community was just beaten blind with a tire iron for accidentally using the wrong restroom, imagined if she got caught. But after an encounter with Miss Hilly, Aibileen wants the world to know what kinda of people she's worked for.
I think Aibileen has finally had enough, after Mrs. Leefolt spanks Mae Mobley for using Aibileen's toilet, because she could catch "black people diseases." Aibileen realized nothing is going to change until she does something about it. This goes back to Miss Skeeter's earlier question to Aibileen, "do you wish things would change?" I think after seeing the violence white people inflict as a result from actions by african americans, she's finally had enough, and wants to work toward being treated more fairly. She wants to educate the oh-so-smart white people that, no, you can't catch "black people diseases", nor can you make up lies about help, and get away with it.
The only way to fight ignorance is with knowledge. That's the whole idea behind what Skeeter wants to do. She wants to educate society on the true personalities of society's more elite. It's funny how the help has so much power with their knowledge of prominent families, but they are treated worthlessly. By Aibileen finally standing up, she is symbolically saying that she is using her most powerful weapon. Women in society care about nothing more than their appearance in society, and if their help spoke out, they would lose their standing in society. This is where the help would hold the power in this situation.
Miss Skeeter points out some irony on page 123. She points out that the help raises children, only to be working for them 20 years later. That they love each other, and consider the other their family, but they aren't even allowed to use the same toilet. That just says a lot about society. From a young age we are learned to respect out elders. That goes back to the 10 commandments, "obey thy mother and father." So if someone is like a mother to you, how can you grow into such a mindset that it's ok to boss them around? You think people, like Miss Hilly, would be more respectful to the person who is responsible for potty training them. It's unreal how over time, people's minds seem to reset themselves. Yet not all do. Like Miss Skeeter. I'm beginning to see that's because Constantine had more involvement in letting her decide things for themselves, but her mother was more controlling. Maybe Miss Skeeter's belief are a result of a inner rebellion she has from her mother.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Quote #2 - The Help by Kathryn Stockett
July 19, 2011
Page 73
"Ugly live up on the inside. Ugly be a hurtful, mean person. Is you one a them peoples?"
-Constantine to a young Miss Skeeter
Constantine said this to Eugenia, Miss Skeeter's REAL name, after she was upset by someone who called her ugly. Constantine said them as words of comfort, but she really described how people would be in the future. People such as Miss Hilly. When I read this, she is who I immediately thought of. Even though she dresses nice, and has a nice home, on the inside Miss Hilly is cruel. I haven't decided yet if she can blame it on her upbringing, but her mother Miss Walters seemed kinder than she was since she gave Minny a good job reference, even after Minny did something bad to Miss Hilly in front of her. So most likely Miss Hilly is just a mean person.
I think this quote also shows why Miss Skeeter feels as if she no longer fits in with her friends. Because she's not one of them. She cares about other people, regardless of their skin color or ranking in society. I see this as probably one of the reasons why, despite her upbringing, Miss Skeeter is not like most women in society. Constantine put the thought in her head at a young age to make a conscience effort not to be "ugly", and now as an adult, that's just the type of person she is. So my earlier theory of Constantine being the reason why Miss Skeeter is more open minded about change, and kind toward the help, is right.
But if this in the kind of things white children were told by their maids when younger and their maids raised them, why did they grow up to be hateful? I think that is because of society. The constant desire to fit into what society says is acceptable drives people to change themselves to fit into that mold. Miss Skeeter never fit in so she never changed. But people like Hilly was always seen as "Queen Bee" of society which I guess who can say the more important societal status you have, the meaner you become. Which applies to more literary and media work than just this. Regina George in "Mean Girls," Sue Slyvester in "Glee," Blair Waldorf in "Gossip Girl", in movies and t.v. comes to mind. The thing they all have in common is that they are seen as being of top of the society's charts, therefore feel as if they are entitled to having things their way. I see this as a reason why Hilly acts the way she does. Now back to the quote, perhaps the ugly grows on the inside of people the more prestige they get in their society.
Page 73
"Ugly live up on the inside. Ugly be a hurtful, mean person. Is you one a them peoples?"
-Constantine to a young Miss Skeeter
Constantine said this to Eugenia, Miss Skeeter's REAL name, after she was upset by someone who called her ugly. Constantine said them as words of comfort, but she really described how people would be in the future. People such as Miss Hilly. When I read this, she is who I immediately thought of. Even though she dresses nice, and has a nice home, on the inside Miss Hilly is cruel. I haven't decided yet if she can blame it on her upbringing, but her mother Miss Walters seemed kinder than she was since she gave Minny a good job reference, even after Minny did something bad to Miss Hilly in front of her. So most likely Miss Hilly is just a mean person.
I think this quote also shows why Miss Skeeter feels as if she no longer fits in with her friends. Because she's not one of them. She cares about other people, regardless of their skin color or ranking in society. I see this as probably one of the reasons why, despite her upbringing, Miss Skeeter is not like most women in society. Constantine put the thought in her head at a young age to make a conscience effort not to be "ugly", and now as an adult, that's just the type of person she is. So my earlier theory of Constantine being the reason why Miss Skeeter is more open minded about change, and kind toward the help, is right.
But if this in the kind of things white children were told by their maids when younger and their maids raised them, why did they grow up to be hateful? I think that is because of society. The constant desire to fit into what society says is acceptable drives people to change themselves to fit into that mold. Miss Skeeter never fit in so she never changed. But people like Hilly was always seen as "Queen Bee" of society which I guess who can say the more important societal status you have, the meaner you become. Which applies to more literary and media work than just this. Regina George in "Mean Girls," Sue Slyvester in "Glee," Blair Waldorf in "Gossip Girl", in movies and t.v. comes to mind. The thing they all have in common is that they are seen as being of top of the society's charts, therefore feel as if they are entitled to having things their way. I see this as a reason why Hilly acts the way she does. Now back to the quote, perhaps the ugly grows on the inside of people the more prestige they get in their society.
Reading Response #3 - The Help by Kathryn Stockett
July 19, 2011
Pages 63 - 104
Chapter 5 - 6
Miss Skeeter has taken over as the narrator of the novel during these chapters. We now get to see her struggle with her overbearing mother, about trying to find a husband. Also we see that Constantine had become her friend during her childhood. She was also the first person who told Miss Skeeter she "actually has a choice in what [she] believed." I think this is what led to the person Skeeter is now, a realist who is interested in making a difference through her work. Constantine helped to form her beliefs that her life could be more than just marriage and children.
Trying to get started in the world of published writing, she takes a job at the local newspaper working as a Dear Abby of sorts, advising housewives on cleaning tips. In order to get her information, she goes to Aibileen. On one of her trips there, Aibileen tells her about Treelore, her son who was killed 2 years ago. He also wanted to be a writer. He had an idea of writing about his experiences working for a white man. This idea I took to mean an allusion to The Help, itself. Since it is about maids working for white women, it's basically the same plot line Treelore was referring to. I'm not sure what it's called, but I'll say self reference. I also took it as a means of foreshadowing, as this could become the very life changing thing, Miss Skeeter writes about.
The conversation between Aibileen and Miss Skeeter also alludes to the novel, Invisible Man. Aibileen remarks that after reading it, Treelore wanted to write, and she also read it too. Having read this book myself, I was aware of one of the themes presented in the novel being self-identity and finding out who one's self really is. I felt as is this foreshadows to a possible theme for The Help. Could Miss Skeeter be on a road to self identity? Does she feel as if who she really is and what she wants is invisible and lost in the society she lives in? Or could the treatment of the help be the thing that is truly "invisible" to society and Aibileen and Minny will be the characters to discover something about themselves?
"Ellison." The Ambassadors Online Magazine. Web. 19 Jul 2011. <http://ambassadors.net/archives/images/ellison.jpg>.
Pages 63 - 104
Chapter 5 - 6
Miss Skeeter has taken over as the narrator of the novel during these chapters. We now get to see her struggle with her overbearing mother, about trying to find a husband. Also we see that Constantine had become her friend during her childhood. She was also the first person who told Miss Skeeter she "actually has a choice in what [she] believed." I think this is what led to the person Skeeter is now, a realist who is interested in making a difference through her work. Constantine helped to form her beliefs that her life could be more than just marriage and children.
Trying to get started in the world of published writing, she takes a job at the local newspaper working as a Dear Abby of sorts, advising housewives on cleaning tips. In order to get her information, she goes to Aibileen. On one of her trips there, Aibileen tells her about Treelore, her son who was killed 2 years ago. He also wanted to be a writer. He had an idea of writing about his experiences working for a white man. This idea I took to mean an allusion to The Help, itself. Since it is about maids working for white women, it's basically the same plot line Treelore was referring to. I'm not sure what it's called, but I'll say self reference. I also took it as a means of foreshadowing, as this could become the very life changing thing, Miss Skeeter writes about.
The conversation between Aibileen and Miss Skeeter also alludes to the novel, Invisible Man. Aibileen remarks that after reading it, Treelore wanted to write, and she also read it too. Having read this book myself, I was aware of one of the themes presented in the novel being self-identity and finding out who one's self really is. I felt as is this foreshadows to a possible theme for The Help. Could Miss Skeeter be on a road to self identity? Does she feel as if who she really is and what she wants is invisible and lost in the society she lives in? Or could the treatment of the help be the thing that is truly "invisible" to society and Aibileen and Minny will be the characters to discover something about themselves?
"Ellison." The Ambassadors Online Magazine. Web. 19 Jul 2011. <http://ambassadors.net/archives/images/ellison.jpg>.
Extra Credit!!!
... Which is something I do love so much...
The Extra Credits video which explored what makes a great female character helped to explain why some characters in books do the crazy things they do. I'll mainly be focusing on how the gender role affects the characters in The Help, considering all the main characters are women.
In The Help Miss Skeeter, Minny, and Aibileen are the characters most limited by their gender. Minny and Aibileen both had to drop out of school at young ages to care for the houses of white people. While young men probably dropped out of school to work in factories or in fields, all young girls learned how to do is take care of a home. They've accepted that is their position in society. That limits them to one occupation that they are able to do. Miss Skeeter is also limited by job availability. She noted while looking for jobs, the same jobs are offered to men, but pay twice as much. Society expects women to get married, take care of the household and have babies. Those few women who do choose to work, aren't paid enough to support themselves alone, therefore still having to be force to find a partner to help take care of them. But Miss Skeeter isn't accepting the fact that her purpose in life is to raise children, like her friends Miss Hilly and Mrs. Leefolt have, but she is meant to make a change.
Miss Skeeter suffers the most pressure to give in to the life destined for her. Her mother, her friends, and society expect her to find a man and get married. Miss Skeeter wants to have a job as a journalist and write about something important that may help to guide future generations stuck in her position. Something that will change society as it is. But her mother sees a marriage certificate of higher value than a college diploma, as do the other women. The standard that has been set during the 50's a 60's, for women, is they are expected to take care of their man and have children, while the male of the household "brings home the bacon." What is ironic, is that even though the women are expected to take care of the children, the maids are the ones who raise them. Aibileen raised Mae Mobley for Mrs. Leefolt as well as 19 others before her. Constantine raised Miss Skeeter and her brother. Minny has raised many children as well. So if these women are conditioned to have children and raise them, why do they hire someone to do it for them?
The characters in The Help are both stereotypical and realistic. But that makes sense right? After all stereotypes are based off the truth, even if it is in just a few cases. Minny and Aibileen are the stereotype for African American women in Mississippi during the 60's. They are living in the poor part of town, struggling to make ends meet, and getting paid to clean houses of white people. Miss Hilly and Mrs. Leefolt are the stereotype for white women during that time. They are stuck up, lazy, and the idea of use the same toilet as a black person repulses them. But Miss Skeeter breaks that stereotype and enters the realistic part of that time by being a woman interested in getting more than her MRS degree.
Now if Mrs. Skeeter were a man, what would her life be like? For starters she could have a higher paying job. She wouldn't be expected to get married as quickly, because for men there is no biological alarm clock that would push her to have children soon. Most likely she would be expected to take over her dad's cotton business, or at least get involved in it. She could live on her own, without getting looks of pity for being that sad spinster. And Minny and Aibileen? They would be working in fields . Probably in Miss Skeeter's picking cotton. Or building bathrooms for colored people, like themselves.
Some Statistics: In 1969, 43% of women were working. In 1940 that precent was %25. In 1960, 30% of married women worked. In 1940 that was 15%. During the 60's the civil right movement was happening, and also the women's right movement. In 1963 Congress passed the Equal Pay Act, outlawing discriminating in the workplace based on sex (Women).
This proves that the changes Miss Skeeter is working toward are still new and most likely not accepted in a society such as hers. She is not the only woman during that time working, but she is one of the few. That is why she feels like an outcast, and no longer fits in with her friends. Society expects women to be motherly. And that involves take care of the home. They are not expected to get a job, as a journalist no less, and not be striving toward marriage. That data also shows that in reality, women like Miss Skeeter fought what was expected of them, like she did, and created the world we live in today.
"Women of the Decade: 1960s." Discovery Education. Discovery Education, n.d. Web. 19 Jul 2011. <http://school.discoveryeducation.com/schooladventures/womenofthecentury/decadebydecade/1960s.html>.
The Extra Credits video which explored what makes a great female character helped to explain why some characters in books do the crazy things they do. I'll mainly be focusing on how the gender role affects the characters in The Help, considering all the main characters are women.
In The Help Miss Skeeter, Minny, and Aibileen are the characters most limited by their gender. Minny and Aibileen both had to drop out of school at young ages to care for the houses of white people. While young men probably dropped out of school to work in factories or in fields, all young girls learned how to do is take care of a home. They've accepted that is their position in society. That limits them to one occupation that they are able to do. Miss Skeeter is also limited by job availability. She noted while looking for jobs, the same jobs are offered to men, but pay twice as much. Society expects women to get married, take care of the household and have babies. Those few women who do choose to work, aren't paid enough to support themselves alone, therefore still having to be force to find a partner to help take care of them. But Miss Skeeter isn't accepting the fact that her purpose in life is to raise children, like her friends Miss Hilly and Mrs. Leefolt have, but she is meant to make a change.
Miss Skeeter suffers the most pressure to give in to the life destined for her. Her mother, her friends, and society expect her to find a man and get married. Miss Skeeter wants to have a job as a journalist and write about something important that may help to guide future generations stuck in her position. Something that will change society as it is. But her mother sees a marriage certificate of higher value than a college diploma, as do the other women. The standard that has been set during the 50's a 60's, for women, is they are expected to take care of their man and have children, while the male of the household "brings home the bacon." What is ironic, is that even though the women are expected to take care of the children, the maids are the ones who raise them. Aibileen raised Mae Mobley for Mrs. Leefolt as well as 19 others before her. Constantine raised Miss Skeeter and her brother. Minny has raised many children as well. So if these women are conditioned to have children and raise them, why do they hire someone to do it for them?
The characters in The Help are both stereotypical and realistic. But that makes sense right? After all stereotypes are based off the truth, even if it is in just a few cases. Minny and Aibileen are the stereotype for African American women in Mississippi during the 60's. They are living in the poor part of town, struggling to make ends meet, and getting paid to clean houses of white people. Miss Hilly and Mrs. Leefolt are the stereotype for white women during that time. They are stuck up, lazy, and the idea of use the same toilet as a black person repulses them. But Miss Skeeter breaks that stereotype and enters the realistic part of that time by being a woman interested in getting more than her MRS degree.
Now if Mrs. Skeeter were a man, what would her life be like? For starters she could have a higher paying job. She wouldn't be expected to get married as quickly, because for men there is no biological alarm clock that would push her to have children soon. Most likely she would be expected to take over her dad's cotton business, or at least get involved in it. She could live on her own, without getting looks of pity for being that sad spinster. And Minny and Aibileen? They would be working in fields . Probably in Miss Skeeter's picking cotton. Or building bathrooms for colored people, like themselves.
Some Statistics: In 1969, 43% of women were working. In 1940 that precent was %25. In 1960, 30% of married women worked. In 1940 that was 15%. During the 60's the civil right movement was happening, and also the women's right movement. In 1963 Congress passed the Equal Pay Act, outlawing discriminating in the workplace based on sex (Women).
This proves that the changes Miss Skeeter is working toward are still new and most likely not accepted in a society such as hers. She is not the only woman during that time working, but she is one of the few. That is why she feels like an outcast, and no longer fits in with her friends. Society expects women to be motherly. And that involves take care of the home. They are not expected to get a job, as a journalist no less, and not be striving toward marriage. That data also shows that in reality, women like Miss Skeeter fought what was expected of them, like she did, and created the world we live in today.
"Women of the Decade: 1960s." Discovery Education. Discovery Education, n.d. Web. 19 Jul 2011. <http://school.discoveryeducation.com/schooladventures/womenofthecentury/decadebydecade/1960s.html>.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Reading Response #2 - The Help by Kathryn Stockett
July 12, 2011
Pages 36 - 62
Chapters 3 - 4
During these Chapters, things are being seen from Minny's point of view. She has received a new job from Miss Celia, a woman new to the upper class level of society. This job is different for Minny though because unlike previous jobs, Miss Celia doesn't boss Minny around and she wants to learn from her. I see Miss Celia being to Minny as Mae Mobley is to Aibileen, even though there is about 20 years difference between the two. Miss Celia and Mae Mobley's innocence and naivety, I think, are what allow them to see past the color and society's title of "the help" and let them see Minny and Aibileen as people no better than themselves.
So that means society has hardened people like Miss Hilly and Mrs. Leefolt to treat maids as if they are below them. But what does that mean about Miss Skeeter? She has been raised in the upper class with maids, and servants. Why doesn't she see them as nothing more than people that are supposed to do work for you? I think it goes back to her missing maid, Constantine. Hopefully that will be revealed later in the book.
One last thing I'm am noticing is the diction used in the book. Aibileen and Minny use words such as "law" for Lord, "doe-nob" for doorknob, and "tee-vee" for tv. Aibileen and Minny both dropped out of school when they were around 13 or 14. I think the diction used shows both the dialect of the area, and their lack of education. It helps to make the words written feel more real and I think it really contributes to setting the tone and time period of the book.
Pages 36 - 62
Chapters 3 - 4
During these Chapters, things are being seen from Minny's point of view. She has received a new job from Miss Celia, a woman new to the upper class level of society. This job is different for Minny though because unlike previous jobs, Miss Celia doesn't boss Minny around and she wants to learn from her. I see Miss Celia being to Minny as Mae Mobley is to Aibileen, even though there is about 20 years difference between the two. Miss Celia and Mae Mobley's innocence and naivety, I think, are what allow them to see past the color and society's title of "the help" and let them see Minny and Aibileen as people no better than themselves.
So that means society has hardened people like Miss Hilly and Mrs. Leefolt to treat maids as if they are below them. But what does that mean about Miss Skeeter? She has been raised in the upper class with maids, and servants. Why doesn't she see them as nothing more than people that are supposed to do work for you? I think it goes back to her missing maid, Constantine. Hopefully that will be revealed later in the book.
One last thing I'm am noticing is the diction used in the book. Aibileen and Minny use words such as "law" for Lord, "doe-nob" for doorknob, and "tee-vee" for tv. Aibileen and Minny both dropped out of school when they were around 13 or 14. I think the diction used shows both the dialect of the area, and their lack of education. It helps to make the words written feel more real and I think it really contributes to setting the tone and time period of the book.
Quote #1 - The Help by Kathryn Stockett
July 18, 2011
Page 58
"But Miss Celia, the way she stares at me with those big eyes like I'm the best thing since hair spray the can, I almost rather she'd order me around like she's supposed to."
-Minny's thoughts on her new boss
All Minny's life, she's known where she stands in white people's homes. She's solely the help. She is to not be seen or heard, just simply follow orders. And while her smart mouth gets her in trouble, she knows the rules are always the same. That is until she meets Miss Celia.
Miss Celia seems to have a childlike innocence about her. She is from a very poor party of Mississippi and is seen as an outcast by the white women in society. She looks to Minny with a sense of wonder and appreciation that most bosses don't have for their maids. That shows there is something different about her.
I think Miss Celia is almost like Miss Skeeter, but instead of wanting society to change, she doesn't think there is anything to change. She shares the same optimistic look though. She doesn't look at Minny as someone beneath her. She really is grateful for her help. I think it's because she relates to Minny as someone who isn't accepted by society and has been deemed an outcast.
Page 58
"But Miss Celia, the way she stares at me with those big eyes like I'm the best thing since hair spray the can, I almost rather she'd order me around like she's supposed to."
-Minny's thoughts on her new boss
All Minny's life, she's known where she stands in white people's homes. She's solely the help. She is to not be seen or heard, just simply follow orders. And while her smart mouth gets her in trouble, she knows the rules are always the same. That is until she meets Miss Celia.
Miss Celia seems to have a childlike innocence about her. She is from a very poor party of Mississippi and is seen as an outcast by the white women in society. She looks to Minny with a sense of wonder and appreciation that most bosses don't have for their maids. That shows there is something different about her.
I think Miss Celia is almost like Miss Skeeter, but instead of wanting society to change, she doesn't think there is anything to change. She shares the same optimistic look though. She doesn't look at Minny as someone beneath her. She really is grateful for her help. I think it's because she relates to Minny as someone who isn't accepted by society and has been deemed an outcast.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
A look into...
the cover of the book.
I have touched before on the symbolic meaning of birds, and here there are, 3 on the cover on The Help. They are chickadees and the symbolic meaning is optimism. That stands for what I see Miss Skeeter to be. An optimist. This makes me think further she is going to change things in the way she hopes to. I can tell she dreams of a more equal society, and believes she can achieve it, she's just unsure how.
The cover of the birds indicates that Miss Skeeter will be a central character in the book, and I'm eager to see how she will affect the people around her.
"The Help." Bella's Bookshelves. Web. 17 Jul 2011. <http://www.bellasbookshelves.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/the-help.jpg>.
Mackenzie, Linda. "Bird Symbol Chart by Linda Mackenzie." Linda Mackenzie's Mind Center. Linda A. Mackenzie, 2006. Web. 17 Jul 2011. <http://www.lindamackenzie.net/chartbird.htm>.
I have touched before on the symbolic meaning of birds, and here there are, 3 on the cover on The Help. They are chickadees and the symbolic meaning is optimism. That stands for what I see Miss Skeeter to be. An optimist. This makes me think further she is going to change things in the way she hopes to. I can tell she dreams of a more equal society, and believes she can achieve it, she's just unsure how.
The cover of the birds indicates that Miss Skeeter will be a central character in the book, and I'm eager to see how she will affect the people around her.
"The Help." Bella's Bookshelves. Web. 17 Jul 2011. <http://www.bellasbookshelves.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/the-help.jpg>.
Mackenzie, Linda. "Bird Symbol Chart by Linda Mackenzie." Linda Mackenzie's Mind Center. Linda A. Mackenzie, 2006. Web. 17 Jul 2011. <http://www.lindamackenzie.net/chartbird.htm>.
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