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.
No comments:
Post a Comment