Questions for The Help by Kathryn Stockett
How effectively has the author portrayed each of the three main characters? Are black and white characters equally well portrayed?
What are Skeeter’s motives for writing about the maids? Do her motives change over time?
What motivates Hilly? How or why have she and Skeeter maintained their friendship?
What did you think of Minny’s revenge on Hilly? Did she go too far?
How is success as a woman measured in 1963 Mississippi? Was the North different? How are women measured today?
What influence do the maids have on the white children they raise? How are the maids seen by the children they raised?
What part does the character of Celia Foote play in the story?
Why do Skeeter and Celia not connect? Were you expecting them to?
What generational differences are evident between Skeeter and her mother?
What kind of relationship does Hilly have with her mother and with her own children? Is she a good daughter? Is she a good mother?
Why does Elizabeth not connect to Mae Mobley?
What defines social position in 1963 Jackson, Mississippi?
What is Stuart looking for in a wife? How does Skeeter fulfill or not fulfill this image?
Do you believe that Mae Mobley’s relationship with Abileen will have a lasting effect on her? What effect did Constantine have on Skeeter?
Fear is a motivating factor for several of the characters. What were some of their fears? What fears did you have for the characters as you read the book?
There are several mother and child relationships depicted in The Help. Which relationships did you find most compelling?