Chapters 14-16 Looming Threats

Sorry it took me so long to get these up. We had a very busy weekend. Can't wait to read your comments on these awesome chapters.

Were you surprised by the way Hilly is described as a loving and attentive mother in chapter 14? Why or why not? Why do you think it comes easily for Hilly to be so loving and giving toward her children when she is generally portrayed as selfish and cruel when crossed?

What are your thoughts on Aibileen's unwillingness to wear Miss Hilly's donated clothes? Would you feel the same kind of reluctance if you were in her place?

On page 188 Aibileen reflects on white women's revenge. What was your impression of this?

What was your reaction to the murder of Medgar Evers, the NAACP Field Secretary? (Pp.194-196) How do you think this will affect the book of stories, if at all?

What did you think of the story Aibileen made up for Mae Mobley about the white and black little girls on page 200? Why do you think she did this? Do you think it will have any impact on Mae Mobley's impression of the races? Do you think Aibileen will get caught telling a story like that to a three-year-old?

On p. 199 Elizabeth's mother says that it is the maid's “job to make sure Mae Mobley has good manners.” What do you think of this comment?

What did you think of Hilly and Skeeter's confrontation at the pool? Do you think Aibileen and Skeeter are foolish to feel relief about how this situation turned out? Do you think Hilly knows or suspects anything about Skeeter or the maids that she didn't mention during their conversation?

In chapter 16, Aibileen attends a community concerns meeting that is all about grieving Medgar Ever's death by praying and taking part in civil disobedience and peaceful demonstration. What do you think unanswered prayers and slow progress and huge setbacks must have felt like for blacks in Jackson, MS during this time period?

Were you surprised at all by Hilly's maid, Yule May's reaction to Aibileen when she asked her to tell her stories for the book? Why or why not?

Were there any special touches or literary devices you noticed in these chapters?

Chapters 12 & 13: Skeeter

In these chapters we dive even deeper into Skeeter's interviews with Aibileen, and we finally get to see our three main characters sharing the stage together at the same time! I've provided page numbers for some of the questions below, which coincide with the hardback version of the book. Also some of my questions are really just strings of many questions, feel free to disregard parts if you like. :-)

• On p. 156, Skeeter has a realization, as if almost for the first time, of the real danger that she and Aibileen especially will be in if they are caught. On this page and the following page Skeeter begins to pick up on things she didn't use to (how Elizabeth and Hilly talk to the help). How would you describe the Skeeter we met at the beginning of the novel and the Skeeter we see now? How is she changing/why is she changing? Do you think she knew what she was getting in to? Do you think she even now realizes what she is getting in to?
• Does anyone know what sexual correction tea is? (p.156)
• Hilly offers some "gently used" items to Aibileen. How do you think Aibileen feels about this "charitable" offering? What do you think Hilly would have said if Aibileen said "No, thank you, I don't need those items." Any other thoughts or reflections on this act of charity from Hilly?
• What do you think Skeeters editor friend (Missus Stein) really thinks about the manuscript Skeeter has sent her?
• What were your reactions to Minny and Aibileen's stories in these chapters?
• What do you think is going to happen to Skeeter now that Hilly has found out how Skeeter feels about her Home Health Sanitation thing?
• Any special touches or literary devices you found intriguing?

Can't wait to hear y'all's thoughts!!!!

Robyn's Comments on Ch. 10 & 11

Hey guys! I had to post my comments this way because it was not letting me post my comments in the comment box...boo! Sorry this is kind of obnoxious I know!

Minny talks about how the truth, although it scares her at times, is refreshing. She says that she's been waiting her whole life to the truth to white women about what it's like to work for them. How do you relate to her experience of wanting to tell the truth but no being able to? What would telling the truth do for her? For you?

Well, first of all, I realize that the truth Minny wanted to tell is different from the truth I find myself wanting to tell. But I think even though her truth (what it’s like to work for white women) and the truth I find myself wishing I could tell (telling my family and close friends who live in San Antonio about God and His Son) are different, I think I can relate. Working side by side, conversing on a regular basis, holding your tongue because you know if you say the truth it will become a volatile situation…it sucks. In one way, it’s nice to think that telling the truth is freeing. After all, the Bible tells us that when we know the truth, we are set free (John 8:32). And I think it’s human nature to think that whatever truth we hold that we are passionate about is something that would be enlightening and life changing for others, and then we form this sense of responsibility to tell someone. And sometimes we then form a sense of guilt for not telling anyone.

But we also know that the truth can divide people and polarize them from one another when one party is not ready to hear to the truth, or dislikes the truth…So part of me really understand why Minny gets freaked about the idea of telling Skeeter the truth. She is afraid of the backlash of course, and as we know Minny is afraid of the “Terrible Awful” truth coming out [which we have yet to find out what that is] (p. 141).

What was your reaction to Johnny and Minny's first meeting? What are your impressions of Johnny on this first interaction?

I was surprised by his disposition! I found the whole ax in the hand thing comical. I really liked Johnny, but also, can’t help but feel a little suspicious of him. He did date Hilly after all. But the fact that he says he misses his old maid Cora Blue and that he seems to be a thoughtful husband (wanting Celia to tell him about Minny in her own time), does indicate he probably is genuinely good. I’m interested to see how his character plays out.

What do you think is wrong with Celia? Why is she hiding Minny from Johnny?

Oh mercy! Jenna I love how you called her “a little nut.” She is definitely a little nut!! And a little nuts I’m afraid! I think we are all in agreement that we feel like she’s probably got some sort of mental illness, or at the least, a serious episode of depression. Gotta wonder what her mental illness is and what is the root, ‘cause now I’m guessing it’s not Johnny or pressure from him to be a perfect wife…

How do you think Skeeter did as a journalist on her first interview with Abileen? What would you have done differently, if anything?

Well, I think Skeeter was trying to be professional, as you pointed out Shan, but I also think she blew it. It was probably a big wake up call for her that she was taking on something a lot bigger than she realized initially, and that she needed to learn how to relate to Aibeleen. I don’t think I would have done anything differently the first time—I’m sure I would’ve blown it as well, if not worse!

Her second interview did go much better, and I’m proud of Aibleen! She stepped out on a limb there by trying again and by taking ownership and writing the stories herself. I sure hope she gets credit, too!

What was your gut reaction to Abileen's stories?

I was just shocked by the story of the boy who cut his fingers off. Must’ve been a terrifying thing for Aibileen to endure at a young age!!! I’m on the edge of my seat ready to hear more of her stories.

Were there any special touches or literary devices you liked in these chapters?

One special touch that I already kind of mentioned is the “Terrible Awful” that Minny refers to. The Terrible Awful is the mysterious event that led to her firing and subsequent black listing. The way Stockett makes it a capitalized, proper noun gives it even more weight now. It is obviously something that strikes fear and even some amount of regret in Minny’s heart.

Chapters 10 &11: Meeting Mister Johnny and Skeeter's First Interview

Minny talks about how the truth, although it scares her at times, is refreshing. She says that she's been waiting her whole life to the truth to white women about what it's like to work for them. How do you relate to her experience of wanting to tell the truth but no being able to? What would telling the truth do for her? For you?

What was your reaction to Johnny and Minny's first meeting? What are your impressions of Johnny on this first interaction?

What do you think is wrong with Celia? Why is she hiding Minny from Johnny?

How do you think Skeeter did as a journalist on her first interview with Abileen? What would you have done differently, if anything?

What was your gut reaction to Abileen's stories?

Were there any special touches or literary devices you liked in these chapters?

Chapter 7, 8 & 9: Aibileen's Secret Rebellion and Getting Even Deeper with Skeeter Phelan

Wow, I loved these chapters! I like Skeeter and Aibileen more and more as I continue reading. They seem so realistic. I love it. Okay, on to the questions...

In chapter 7, Aibileen talks more about the seed of bitterness she feels growing up inside of her after her son's death. She has been a submissive maid for years, but is never able to stick around with a family after the children lose their color-blindness. She is becoming somewhat fed-up with this cycle and, maybe as a result of her suppressed bitterness, she decides to try a little experiment with Mae Mobley. She begins to impress ideas of higher value and self-confidence on Mae Mobley. If you were in her place, would you attempt this or a similar experiment? If so, what messages or beliefs would you want to impart to this little girl?

In chapter 7 we also get acquainted with Elizabeth's mean mother. I have to ask because you are such smart psychology-types, do you think the way Elizabeth mothers (and I use that word very loosely) Mae Mobley is a reflection of her own upbringing? As a character in Stockett's imagination, do you think Elizabeth ever measured up to her own mother's expectations?

One evening, after a very long day at work and hearing the terrible news about Robert being beaten blind, Aibileen comes home to find Skeeter on her front step. She expects more questions about the Miss Myrna column but gets something quite different. If you were in Aibileen's position, what would your response be to a proposition like Skeeter's to be interviewed for a book? Do you think she should do it?

In chapter 8, we learn that Skeeter told a little lie about getting a black maid's cooperation for her book before she actually got it. Would you be willing to do the same or otherwise finesse the truth if you were in her place? Why was a real historical book like this never actually written? If you lived during this time period in the "deep South," would you even read a book of interviews of the help? Why or why not?

On page 111, Hilly openly takes credit for arranging things for Aibileen's new bathroom in an attempt to get a "thank you" from Aibileen. Why do you think she does this? What would you do if you were Aibileen in this situation? What might have been a different but peaceable response?

In chapter 9 Skeeter goes on a date that, if it weren't fiction, could be considered one of the worst in history. What are your thoughts of her blind date, Stuart Whitworth? Do you think we've seen the last of him in this book?

Were there any literary devices or special touches you noticed in these chapters?