October 2011: The Help by Kathryn Stockett

Thoughts

What are your thoughts on this book? Was there anything you wanted to talk about that wasn't mentioned in the other questions?

Favorite

Who was your favorite character? Why?

Hilly

What do you think motivated Hilly? On one hand she is terribly cruel to Aibileen and her own help, as well as to Skeeter once she realizes that she can't control her. Yet she's a wonderful mother. Do you think that one can be a good mother and, at the same time, a deeply flawed person?

Skeeters mom

Skeeter's mother is a prime example of someone deeply flawed yet somewhat sympathetic. She seems to care for Skeeter- and she also seems to have very real feelings for Constantine. Yet the ultimatum she gives Constantine is untenable, and most of her interaction with Skeeter is critical. Do you think Skeeter's mother is a sympathetic or an unsympathetic character? Why?

the times

How much of a person's character would you say is shaped by the times in which he or she lives?

Stuart

Did it bother you that Skeeter was willing to overlook so many of Stuart's faults so that she could get married, and that it wasn't until he literally got up and walked away that the engagement fell apart?

Minny

Do you believe that Minny was justified in her distrust of white people?

Mae

Do you think that had Aibileen stayed working for Miss Elizabeth, Mae Mobley would have grown up to be racist like her mother? Do you think racism is inherent or taught?

Aibileen

The author manages to paint Aibileen with a quiet grace and an aura of wisdom about her. How do you think she does this?

Minny's pie

What did you think about Minny's pie for Miss Hilly? Would you have gone as far as Minny did for revenge?