Defiance As Depicted In The Help, By Kathryn Stockett

The Help, written by Kathryn Stockett, is a novel taking place in the early 1960s. It tells the story of three, courageous women as they strive to write a book retelling the lives of many African American maids and the struggles they face to serve their white families. Aibileen Clark and Minny Jackson are just two of many maids who contribute their experiences to aspiring novelist Skeeter Phelan, a white woman who yearns to share their perspective with people everywhere. In Jackson, Mississippi, at a time when Civil Rights is one of the most controversial subjects in the world, attempting such an act of defiance is a dangerous cause, but these women are willing to risk everything, their lives, their jobs, their homes, and their families, to
help make a change and share their story. Skeeter Phelan and her maid Constantine share an unbreakable bond, and they love each other unconditionally. As a young child, Skeeter was once disheartened by some particularly hurtful words, but a talk from Constantine taught her a very important lesson. Skeeter thought to herself “All my life I’d been told what to believe about politics, coloreds, being a girl. But with Constantine’s thumb pressed in my hand, I realized I actually had a choice in what I could believe,” (74). This lesson follows Skeeter for many years to come, and she does not let anyone or anything influence her beliefs. She does what she thinks is right even when others shun her for it. Skeeter Phelan is a smart, unique young woman who make a difference by following what she believes in. Aibileen Clark is a strong and independent African American maid working for the Leefolt family and taking care of their two year old daughter, Mae Mobley. After years without any attention from her parents, Mae Mobley has come to believe that she is invisible in her parents eyes. In taking on the responsibilities of raising Mae Mobley as a racially accepting young woman Aibileen first begins by helping the child realize her own significance. Aibileen tells Mae Mobley everyday, ‘“You kind, you smart, you important.”’ (234). Aibileen cares for the Leefolt’s daughter like her own child and does what she thinks is best for her.