Research Paper On “The Help” Novel

Introduction

Kathryn Stockett's witty and eye-opening novel, "The Help," has received worldwide recognition and interest from readers since its release in 2009, but this novel's popularity has skyrocketed due to the mid-August release of the movie. The novel, "The Help," is a riveting story that dives into issues pertaining to the equality of African Americans during the heat of the civil rights movement. The story is told from the perspectives of three different narrators, whose voices and messages take the reader back in time to the early 1960s.

Stockett illustrates what life was like in Jackson, Mich., for African American maids who worked for white families when America was segregated and discrimination was widely accepted. I was prompted to read the book because of the familiarity of the issue of racism and discrimination during the civil rights movement. The originality of the perspectives from maids during this time sparked my interest in this book because the stereotypical "Mammy," figure was called into question and told from that particular point of view. I was highly impressed by Stockett's ability to intertwine the emotions of resentment toward white mothers who depended on the African American maids to raise their children, yet the love and dependence that the maids had upon the children of the white families They ain't rich folks. Rich folks don't try so hard. (1.15).

Discussion

This story's three narrators, Skeeter, Aibileen and Minny, portray the perseverance and courage it takes to create and inspire change in a racist, close-minded society. Eugenia Phelan, otherwise known as "Skeeter," is a fresh-out-of college white woman who was raised in a privileged home. Her many progressive desires and aspirations clash with her friends, family and entire community throughout the novel.

On returning home to Jackson, Skeeter becomes increasingly aware of the injustices placed upon African American maids working in white homes in her community. An issue regarding separate bathrooms for maids in these households inspires Skeeter to write a book about what life is like for maids in Jackson. She prompts a middle-aged maid named Aibileen Clark, who is the second narrator of the story, to share her experiences as a lifelong housekeeper for white families But it wasn't too long before I seen something in me had changed.

At first, Skeeter's desire for a successful book conflicted with Aibileen's fear of persecution for speaking out against the white families. However, their unlikely bond and common goal creates a chain reaction to other maids in the community, including the third narrator, Minny. Unlike Aibileen's traditional meek housekeeper demeanor, Minny has a tendency to speak her mind and talk back to her white employers. The book jumps from all three of these narrators' perspectives throughout the novel, and their collaboration to write this radical book sheds light upon issues and injustices that people are wary to discuss in such a close-minded community. In support of the maids, employers white middle-class families whose husbands and wives work and playing bridge and organizing charity events, Junior League pay ...