The Help is a deeply moving story that shines a lot of light on some of the common trials that African Americans experienced during the Civil Rights era. Of course however, any novel (and/or movie) is only as good as its main characters. One of the core protagonists, Aibileen, a black maid in the wealthy Leefolt household, is incredibly significant in this story. Her character is able to connect with the reader due to three of the main qualities she possesses: strength, love, and intelligence (although it may not be the traditional kind).
Aibileen is able to show off her strength in many ways. For starters, it could not have been easy being a black maid during this time period. Most whites, especially those who were well off (and thus felt …show more content…
Instead, this quality of inaudibility should illustrate some vulnerability and fear (making her human), but more importantly, it should further demonstrate her unwavering strength. She pushes through her distain and pain because she has deep-seeded feelings for the Leefolt children she raised-especially Eugenia “Skeeter” Phelan. Eventually Aibileen breaks though, and decides that her story needs to get out, and that the only way to do so is to partner with a few other maids and Skeeter to write a book about their experiences (Young, n.d.). This actually leads me to Aibileen’s next most admirable qualities: her intelligence and deeply rooted …show more content…
She is very aware of the injustices that she (and her race) experiences; yet she continues working in the Leefolt household. Maybe she stays partially because she realizes her experience isn’t as bad as others, or maybe because she recognizes that there aren’t many other opportunities for her, regardless, it is obvious that the main motivator for her complicacy is her love for Skeeter. This apparent in the mantra that Aibileen recites to Skeeter sporadically: “you is smart, you is kind, you is important” (Young, n.d.). This helps Skeeter grow up with both a developed sense of self-worth, as well as awareness and regard for her self and
Aibileen is able to show off her strength in many ways. For starters, it could not have been easy being a black maid during this time period. Most whites, especially those who were well off (and thus felt …show more content…
Instead, this quality of inaudibility should illustrate some vulnerability and fear (making her human), but more importantly, it should further demonstrate her unwavering strength. She pushes through her distain and pain because she has deep-seeded feelings for the Leefolt children she raised-especially Eugenia “Skeeter” Phelan. Eventually Aibileen breaks though, and decides that her story needs to get out, and that the only way to do so is to partner with a few other maids and Skeeter to write a book about their experiences (Young, n.d.). This actually leads me to Aibileen’s next most admirable qualities: her intelligence and deeply rooted …show more content…
She is very aware of the injustices that she (and her race) experiences; yet she continues working in the Leefolt household. Maybe she stays partially because she realizes her experience isn’t as bad as others, or maybe because she recognizes that there aren’t many other opportunities for her, regardless, it is obvious that the main motivator for her complicacy is her love for Skeeter. This apparent in the mantra that Aibileen recites to Skeeter sporadically: “you is smart, you is kind, you is important” (Young, n.d.). This helps Skeeter grow up with both a developed sense of self-worth, as well as awareness and regard for her self and