The Help by Kathryn Stockett--Discussion Questions

1. Why does Skeeter want to write The Help?

2. Does Skeeter understand racism differently than the other white characters?

3. How does Skeeter's gender affect her?

4. Does it bother you that Skeeter is willing to overlook so many of Stuart’s faults so that she can get married, and that it’s not until he literally gets up and walks away that the engagement falls apart?

5. What motivates Hilly, and why is she important to the other characters?

6. Hilly is 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 this duality of personality is plausible?

7. What does the friendship between Hilly and Skeeter reveal about Jackson society?

8. Like Hilly, 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 to Constantine is untenable; and most of her interaction with Skeeter is critical. Do you think Skeeter’s mother is a sympathetic or unsympathetic character?

9. What role does Elizabeth play in the story?

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

11. How does Aibileen see the children that she raises?

12. If Aibileen hadn’t been fired, do you think Mae Mobley would have grown up to be less racist than her mother, Elizabeth? Do you think racism is inherent or taught?

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

14. How did working for Celia and Johnny change Minny?

15. What does Celia reveal about Jackson society?

16. Why did the Help decide to tell their stories?

17. From the perspective of a twenty-first century reader, the hair shellac system that Skeeter undergoes seems ludicrous. Yet women still alter their looks in rather peculiar ways as the definition of “beauty” changes with the times. Looking back on your past, what’s the most ridiculous beauty regimen you ever underwent?

18. What do you think happened to Aibileen after the story ended?

19. Who was your favorite character? Why?

(Some questions taken from publisher and also from Novelist)