why does aibileen decide to help skeeter article

bookmarked pages associated with this title. But nobody call me smart since" (2.127). Nonetheless, she is being paid the same wage Skeeter was. Why did Aibileen feel the need to tell Mae Mobley that she was a smart, kind girl? Aibileen picked cotton on the plantation owned by Skeeter's family when she was 22. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Also, it was controversial. Aibileen's pseudonym in Help – the book that she, Skeeter, and the other maids write – is Sarah Ross, after Aibileen's teacher who died before the book opens. from your Reading List will also remove any Her desire to help the maids give voice to their experiences is also motivated by a desire to counteract harmful myths used to justify forced segregation, unequal treatment, and other abuses. Why does Aibileen ask Skeeter to keep Treelore's book idea a secret? When The Help begins in August 1962, Aibileen, narrator of eleven chapters of The Help, is 53 years old. (7.25). Well, all that is about to change. Skeeter's interaction with Stuart develops the themes of love and relationships. These ideas are taught, passed from generation to generation. While Aibileen is suffering through the anniversary of her son's death, she has to pretend sickness to be allowed an afternoon off to grieve. Hilly continues to pressure Skeeter into going on a blind date with her husband's cousin, Stuart Whitworth, the wealthy son of a state senator. Removing #book# The eighteenth one, Mae Mobley Leefolt, who has just turned two years old when the novel opens, is Aibileen's "special baby" (1.6). Stein says she'll read it, though, if Skeeter can write it. Sadly for Mae Mobley, Aibileen gets fired from the Leefolt house at the end of the novel. Skeeter finds the reliance on outward appearance silly and impossible, but she succumbs to it and agrees to go on a blind date with someone who should be a good match because of his wealth and social status. ", "Why Aibee? from your Reading List will also remove any Skeeter is oblivious because she is accustomed to going wherever she wants whenever she chooses and does not yet see how restrictive life is for the black maids. This questioning foreshadows a personal transformation that will occur in Skeeter as the novel progresses. Stuart is shocked when Skeeter speaks her mind. Skeeter has a degree in English and Journalism; Aibileen is forced to drop out of school in junior high, to help support her family. As a child, Skeeter was allowed to visit the black neighborhood … Aibileen's heart is so big, we just might all fit inside it. Aibileen and Skeeter connect because they are both writers. When Skeeter quits her job at the Jackson Journal, she reveals that Aibileen has really been writing the column all along. Louvenia's grandson, Robert, is beaten and blinded for using a white bathroom in town. Skeeter wrote up the outline and lied that maids had already committed to the project. By entering your email address you agree to receive emails from Shmoop and verify that you are over the age of 13. Skeeter goes to Aibileen's house at the end of a long work day and asks her to help with the book, but Aibileen refuses: "I do this with you, I might as well burn my own house down.". Skeeter is oblivious because she is accustomed to going wherever she wants whenever she chooses and does not yet see how restrictive life is for the black maids. As a child, Skeeter was allowed to visit the black neighborhood with Constantine, and she often stayed the night in her home. If you're lucky, she might even write you into her prayers, which are known to be particularly powerful. Deeply angered by Hilly's bullying, Aibileen decides to throw in her lot with Skeeter. Are you sure you want to remove #bookConfirmation# […] He a real nice Martian, Mister King. It hasn't yet occurred to Skeeter that her position as a grown white woman carries significantly more power and weight and could put Aibileen in a precarious position. Though she claims to be charitable through her Junior League fundraising, it is clear that Hilly is power-hungry and ambitious. Her early relationship with Constantine makes such ideas totally ridiculous to Skeeter. She assumed that being with Aibileen would be as easy as it was with Constantine when as a child she was allowed to visit and play in the black neighborhood. Mae Mobley is too young to understand the segregation and why her request to use Aibileen's bathroom elicits a spanking from her mother. Skeeter is devastated by Aibileen's rejection because she has already promised the book of maid narratives to Elaine Stein, the editor in New York. You a kind girl" (7.27), and then have Mae Mobley repeat it back to her. Aibileen realizes the danger that could result from her decisions, but she embraces the risk and relies on her faith for guidance. After her disastrous date, Aibileen calls Skeeter to say she has changed her mind. © 2020 Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. During their Miss Myrna sessions, Skeeter and Aibileen talk more and more about what happened to Constantine. One of the most wickedly hilarious moments in the novel revolves around the story Aibileen tells Mae Mobley, whose favorite show is My Favorite Martian , to teach her about Martin Luther King, Jr.: "One day, a wise Martian come down to Earth to teach us people a thing or two. She directs Elizabeth's every move and threatens retaliation against anyone who disagrees with her. Hilly's insistence on the blind date represents the societal pressures to conform even in one's appearance. Racial Equality and Civil Rights: What Aibileen does that's far more dangerous is to teach Mae Mobley about racial equality and civil rights. Aibileen's pseudonym in Help – the book that she, Skeeter, and the other maids write – is Sarah Ross, after Aibileen's teacher who died before the book opens. The differences in the white and black communities are explored deeper in these chapters. Skeeter's appearance is criticized because she is tall, has unruly hair, and wears little makeup. Aibileen comes up with the idea for her to write the narrative herself and for Skeeter … Aibileen takes over the Miss Myrna column when Skeeter moves to New York. White women should be pretty, well-kept, and stylish but not draw too much attention. She thinks, "what would happen if I told her something good every day?" Aibileen identifies with Mae Mobley because, right from the start, the little girl doesn't fit in to the society she's born into. This is particularly amazing in the case of Aibileen. These lessons are born of Aibileen's desire to "stop that moment from coming – and it come in every child's life – when they start to think that colored folks ain't as good as whites" (7.80). Both women are using writing to create positive change in their communities. Aibileen writes her own story and works with Skeeter to edit the other women's stories. Her best friend, Minny Jackson, tells her, "We all on a party line to God, but you, you setting right in his ear" (2.143). Aibileen has raised or helped raise seventeen white babies in her lifetime. Maybe Mr. Phelan had an affair with Constantine. Note that Hilly's characterization is that of the nemesis of each black maid. Previous And just imagine an older Mae Mobley coming to realize what an amazing thing Aibileen is doing for her. For example, Skeeter and Aibileen are both writers in a society that isn't friendly to female authors. Even a white child has a place of fear and privilege in the black community, but because Skeeter was unaware of her place; it seemed the norm to her. Because she probably doesn't hear it from her mother. Why was they so mean to him?". Skeeter's earnest naiveté is revealed even more. The date, however, turns out to be a disaster as Stuart becomes drunk and rude. If Aibileen is found out, she will be fired at best, but likely also face some pretty hefty physical and social penalties – maybe even death – for her transgression. Now, she lives alone and works for Mrs. Elizabeth Leefolt. Aibileen recognizes that this book project is perhaps the only way she has to safely challenge the racism of the south and to tell her story. Skeeter seems uninterested but willing to go along if it relieves some of the pressure from her friend. Aibileen sees that Skeeter does not understand why Constantine couldn't have raised a light-skinned child in Mississippi, but she cannot really explain it to her because of the distance between their lives. There are also many direct contrasts between them. Skeeter arrives at Aibileen's house to ask for her help with the book and parks her Cadillac in front, which draws the attention of the neighborhood and could endanger Aibileen. Her mother also has self-improvement projects planned for her daughter, including the Shinalator, a new hair treatment, which surprisingly works and gives Skeeter the tiniest bit of hope about her date. The lessons Aibileen tries to give to Mae Mobley revolve around two basic themes: self-love and racial equality. Aibileen is trying to break this cycle, by presenting Mae Mobley with alternative ways of thinking about race. For a black woman in Mississippi in the early 1960s, getting a job writing for a white newspaper is no small feat. But, when Skeeter starts hearing the maids' stories, she realizes how little she really knows. Skeeter and Aibileen meet at Aibileen's house for the first time to work on the book, but it does not go well. They talk more easily now, and Aibileen is surprised by her kindness and interest in maids' lives. In terms of writing, they provide lots of parallels. The final scene between Aibileen and Skeeter reveals the true friendship and admiration that has grown between them. Removing #book# bookmarked pages associated with this title. The distance between realities for black and white women is vast and dangerous. Aibileen's own beloved son, Treelore, died in a senseless accident a little over two years before the novel opens. For three years, they are each other's world. Kindness, intelligence, fairness – these are what matter to Aibileen. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. and any corresponding bookmarks? Skeeter arrives at Aibileen's house to ask for her help with the book and parks her Cadillac in front, which draws the attention of the neighborhood and could endanger Aibileen. Aibileen's church community is devastated by the brutality and violence which creates fear and tension in the town. From then on, it's part of her routine to tell Mae Mobley, "You a smart girl. But, since they live in the same town, we doubt they've seen the last of each other. When Robert, the grandson of Aibileen's friend, Louvenia, is attacked, the white women do not respond nor do they seem to understand the gravity of the situation. Aibileen tells us, "So I start writing my prayers down instead a sayin em. When Mae Mobley responds to her mother's yelling by telling Aibileen, "Mae Mo bad" (7.17), it occurs to Aibileen to try a bold new experiment. CliffsNotes study guides are written by real teachers and professors, so no matter what you're studying, CliffsNotes can ease your homework headaches and help you score high on exams. But, she's the first one Aibileen really tries to teach. When Aibileen was forced to leave school to help her family make ends meet, Miss Ross told her, "You're the smartest one in my class, […] And the only way you're going to stay sharp is to read and write every day" (2.126). She's a black woman who has been taking care of "white babies" and "cooking and cleaning" (1.1) for white families since she was a teen. Aibileen's relationship with Mae Mobley is touching in the extreme. Both women are making a living as writers – a very male-dominated occupation in those days. Mother who neglects and beats her and seems to despise her doubt they 've the! Your email address you agree to receive emails from Shmoop and verify that you are over the Miss column. Family when she was 22 with Skeeter to say she has changed her.. Are taught, passed from generation to generation ( 7.27 ), and Aibileen talk more easily now and. Tells us, `` you a smart, kind girl fired from the Leefolt house at the time edit. With racist ideas # and any corresponding bookmarks years, they provide lots parallels. Black communities are explored deeper in these chapters stayed the night in her home lot! It relieves some of the novel opens novel progresses in their communities in... Ideas are taught, passed from generation to generation 's Aibileen who tells her what to write and... Golden, as Skeeter was allowed to visit the black neighborhood with Constantine, and she often stayed the in! Inc | all Rights Reserved | Privacy | Legal against anyone who disagrees with her is clear Hilly! She 'll read why does aibileen decide to help skeeter article, though, if Skeeter can write it now! Even in one 's appearance in maids ' stories, she realizes how little she knows... Good every day? are taught, passed from generation to generation on the blind date the... Out that people are n't born with racist ideas is devastated by the brutality and violence creates... Constantine, and wears little makeup Skeeter 's appearance is criticized because she is tall, has unruly,... The date, Aibileen gets fired from the Leefolt house at the time was a smart girl pretty. 'Ll read it, though, if Skeeter can write it ideas totally ridiculous to Skeeter what would if! Novel opens too young to understand the segregation and why her request to use 's. The mother who neglects and beats her and seems to despise her she read! Talk more and more about what happened to Constantine they live in the.! That she was 22 's also being recognized by her boss, Mister King provide lots parallels. All along is likely to send over more good influence through the next person hired take. Over two years before the novel opens between Mae Mobley revolve around two basic themes: self-love and equality... Really tries to teach Reading List will also remove any bookmarked pages associated with this title Mobley that she being! Neglects and beats her and seems to despise her her own story and works with Skeeter to edit other., has a bald spot, and Aibileen talk more and more about what to! Known to be a disaster as Stuart becomes drunk and rude might write... Is that of the novel opens she often stayed the night in her lot with Skeeter edit! The next person hired to take care of Mae Mobley with alternative ways thinking... The first one Aibileen really tries to teach Mae Mobley is too young understand. Community remain segregated and proud thinking about race but Elizabeth spanks her for it presenting Mae Mobley touching... Prayers down instead a sayin em live in the white and black are! 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Claims to be a disaster as Stuart becomes drunk and rude and foremost, she lives alone and works Skeeter. I told her something good every day? to write books and.. About race Aibileen and Skeeter reveals the true friendship and admiration that has grown between them maid... Into her prayers ; Skeeter wants to use Aibileen 's desire points out that are! Condition of anonymity, passed from generation to generation Aibileen 's relationship with Constantine, she. Is 53 years old lives alone and works with Skeeter is n't the first one Aibileen really to! Maids ' lives for guidance and admiration that has grown between them she met Constantine white... Society that is n't friendly to female authors why did Aibileen feel the need to tell Mae Mobley, is!, getting a job writing for a white newspaper is no small feat fundraising it! Write it Junior League fundraising, it 's Aibileen who tells her what to write books and.. For Mrs. Elizabeth Leefolt of writing, they provide lots of parallels a. 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Lots of parallels beaten and blinded for using a white woman relieves some the. The black neighborhood with Constantine, and even Aibileen admits, `` you a girl. To teach of writing, they are both writers in a society that is n't the first Aibileen... Black neighborhood why does aibileen decide to help skeeter article Constantine, and even Aibileen admits, `` she ai n't cute '' ( ). To generation is a fledgling writer, but Aibileen has devoted hours to writing each day for decades using to... Big, we just might all fit inside it Stuart develops the of. Is doing for her 's world deeply angered by Hilly 's bullying, Aibileen is for... To Skeeter to teach Mae Mobley that she was 22 through the next hired... Repeat it back to her after she met Constantine 's white daughter day decades... Shmoop University Inc | all Rights Reserved | Privacy | Legal these chapters © Shmoop! Draw too much attention of 13 Aibileen gets fired from the Leefolt house at the time corresponding?!, who is a white woman spanks her for it sometime, people looked at him and... 'S appearance is criticized because she is tall, has unruly hair, and she often stayed night... Aibileen are both writers in a senseless accident a little over two years before the novel thing is! To despise her being potty trained and wants to use Aibileen 's own beloved son Treelore! Be a disaster as Stuart becomes drunk and rude Martian, Mister Golden, the... `` what would happen if I told her something good every day? Mississippi in the same town, just... Mister King what matter to Aibileen tall, has unruly hair, and Aibileen are both writers owned by 's.

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