The Help Themes
The three main themes in The Help are racial prejudice, slavery, and provincialism.
- Racial prejudice: With the exception of Skeeter, the white characters in the novel are racists who treat the Black maids poorly.
- Slavery: Slavery is mentioned several times by the Black maids as their racial lineage, suggesting that the treatment of the maids is just another form of slavery.
- Provincialism: Skeeter is the only white character who has left Jackson and who is therefore able to examine the social dynamics of her hometown.
Themes: All Themes
Themes: Racial Prejudice
The main theme of the book is racial prejudice and bigotry—hate directed toward blacks in respect to their race. All the white characters in the novel, with the exception of Skeeter, are racists, even though many are not aware of it. They treat the black maids poorly because they believe that they are stupid and inferior. Throughout the novel, the whites are always referring to the maids or, blacks in general, in descriptive terms that usually...
(Read more)Themes: Slavery
The fact of slavery is mentioned several times by the black maids as their racial lineage, suggesting that the treatment of the maids is just another form of slavery. In addition, most of the maids do not aspire to be treated equally by their employers because they have learned by that inequality is the southern lifestyle. They do not appear to desire equality anymore than the white because of the upheaval it would case in their lives. However,...
(Read more)Themes: Provincialism
The white characters are women who have never really left their hometown. They do not confront the social beliefs of their parents or ancestors because they have not separated enough to gain any perspective on the lifestyle that everyone appears to conform to in Jackson. However, Skeeter has left home (Jackson) and returned. She is the only character able to objectively examine the social interactions between the black maids and the white,...
(Read more)Themes: Us versus Them
Throughout the novel, there is a well-defined line between the whites and the blacks. They refer to each other as “us” and “them” as if they are inherent enemies. Their lives do not cross over because there is no real communication between them. They only play out their roles as employer and maid. However as the story unfolds, there are changes; and the writing of the book instigates a challenge to those roles. A couple of the relationships...
(Read more)Themes: Racism
The Help by Kathryn Stockett explores the theme of racism in 1960s Jackson, Mississippi, highlighting the systemic discrimination faced by black maids working in white households. Through the perspectives of three narrators, the novel delves into the ethical issues of racism, hypocrisy, and societal pressures that perpetuate racial inequality. The story captures the struggles of individuals challenging the status quo and seeking social change.
(Read more)Expert Q&A
What are some theme similarities between the book The Help and the film Mississippi Burning?
Key Events, Themes, and Main Points in The Help
The Help by Kathryn Stockett explores themes of racial dynamics, social change, and friendship during the Civil Rights Movement. The novel is narrated by three women—Skeeter, Aibileen, and Minny—who collaborate on a book exposing racial injustices faced by black maids. Key events include Aibileen's agreement to share her story, the publication of their book, and Minny's inclusion of a secret incident with Hilly to protect their anonymity. The novel highlights themes of integrity, resistance to conformity, and the transformative power of friendship.
Get Ahead with eNotes
Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.
Already a member? Log in here.