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?
I was definitely surprised at this description of Hilly. I can’t explain her seemingly genuine affection toward them when she has so much disdain for others. Perhaps she is simply
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?
Definitely. I think she is justified in not wanting to wear them. I can’t imagine accepting Hilly’s handout like that.
On page 188 Aibileen reflects on white women's revenge. What was your impression of this?
It made me sad that this would be what was expected of me if I were lving back then. It also made me think about how women treat each other now, and how Aibileen’s story rings true. It seems that women have always had a fierce streak in them, and that unfortunately we unleash it at those we feel threatened by. It made me wonder if I’ve ever acted like that, and how I could make it right.
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?
I thought Stockett did a good job communicating how this event would have affected the black community at the time. I think this event is going to prompt more maids to come forward.
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?
I think Aibileen’s story is a creative way for her to teach Mae what is right. She’s been telling her that she’s a good, kind girl, but now she has a chance to teach her something about treating others right. I hope it has an impact on Mae.
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?
I couldn’t help but laugh. Since when did it become someone else’s job to ensure your child has proper manners? Once again, the white women of the south have a pattern of blaming all their problems on the negligence of their help while taking credit for things they could have never accomplished without them.
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?
I don’t think Hilly knows, but I could be wrong. I thought it was interesting that Hilly broke down about William’s campaign and stuff. I also thought Skeeter was pretty bold to just bring it up like that, I wish I was more like her.
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?
It makes me think about the Hollygrove neighborhood here in New Orleans. Many of the families who live there have been praying that things would get better for years but just when things seem like they might be calming down there’s another shooting, another robbery, another dealer trying to teach their babies how to hustle. I’m reminded of David’s words in the psalms, “How long will you hide your face from me, oh Lord?” I think its at times when God seems absent that our faith is tested the most, so I am really impressed at how faithful they were during the civil rights movent, always holding out hope that things could be different.
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?
No. Working for Hilly I bet Yule May has an earful to tell. She also seems to have a strength in her that the other maids don’t have. I’m excited to see what she says.
