The Help: Summary

The Help is a 2009 novel by Kathryn Stockett that tells the story of African American maids working in white households in Jackson, Mississippi during the early 1960s. Through the eyes of three different narrators, the story delves into themes of race, class, and gender roles in a segregated society. The novel explores themes of courage, strength and sisterhood as the maids stand up against racism and injustice while facing danger and potential repercussions. It also touches on themes of loyalty, friendship and relationships between the maids and their employers, challenging traditional power dynamics. Finally, it highlights how people can come together to make a difference in their community despite differences in racial backgrounds or social status.

1. What themes does The Help address?
2. What did you think of the way Kathryn Stockett portrayed the different characters in this book?
3. How do the relationships between the African American maids and their employers change throughout the novel?
4. What is the significance of setting this story in Jackson, Mississippi in 1962?
5. How does Skeeter's ambition to become a writer reflect her own personal growth?
6. What are some examples of courage and/or bravery demonstrated by characters in The Help?
7. Do any of the characters experience redemption or transformation during the course of the novel?
8. Do you think that Skeeter was able to successfully bridge the cultural divide between African Americans and whites in Jackson?
9. Was there any aspect of Aibileen and Minny's lives that surprised or shocked you?
10. Why do you think The Help has been so successful as a novel and film adaptation?

• The Help is a compelling story that really captures the struggles of African-American women in the 1960s.
• The bond between the three main characters, Aibileen, Minny, and Skeeter, is truly inspiring.
• Kathryn Stockett did a fantastic job of conveying the emotions of each character throughout the book.
• I was deeply moved by how courageously the women stood up for themselves in spite of their difficult circumstances.
• The Help is a powerful reminder that we should not be complacent when it comes to civil rights and social justice issues.
• There are many important lessons to be learned from this book about racism and classism in America during this period in history.
• What struck me most about The Help was how it showed how strong human connection can be even in times of hardship and adversity.
• It's a remarkable story of strength and resilience that speaks to readers from all backgrounds and walks of life.
• I think The Help is a great choice for book clubs as it provides an opportunity to discuss important issues related to race and gender equality.
• This book is a powerful example of how storytelling can help us understand our past and shape our future.

1. "You is kind. You is smart. You is important."
2. "We all know it's just a matter of time before they pass a law that separates us just like they done in Mississippi."
3. "I'm not as scared as I thought I'd be. Maybe it's 'cause I got something to lose now."
4. "Well, if you think about it, we're the only ones who really know what it feels like to be a colored person livin' in Mississippi."
5. "It's time for you to be brave and stand up for something you believe in, even if you stand alone."

The Help was adapted into a feature film in 2011, directed by Tate Taylor and starring Emma Stone, Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer and Bryce Dallas Howard. The film received four Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture. It also won several awards, including the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture. In addition to the feature film, there have been several radio adaptations of The Help. These include a BBC Radio 4 adaptation in 2017 and an adaptation by American Public Media's "The Big Listen" podcast in 2018. In 2020, the book was adapted into an 8-episode television series by ABC. The series stars Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer and Allison Janney and follows the story of the original novel.

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