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Questions and Answers
Who is the author of the book?
Kathryn Stockett
What point of view is used in this novel?
How many babies does Aibileen tell the reader she has cared for?
17
What ailment does Mae Mobley suffer when Aibileen first begins to care for her?
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Why does Aibileen say Miss Leefolt can't soothe her own baby?
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How old was Treelore when he died?
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What kind of party does Mrs. Leefolt have in the first chapter?
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Why does Hilly express distaste at using Mrs. Leefolt's guest bathroom?
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Who does Skeeter ask Aibileen about at the end of chapter 1?
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Who lives on Longleaf Plantation?
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How much younger than Aibileen is Minny Jackson?
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What did Hilly Hobrook accuse Aibileen of?
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Why does Mr. Leefolt tell Mae Mobley she will not go to college?
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Why does Minny tell Aibileen she needs to find a new job?
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For what act does Mrs. Leefolt punish Mae Mobley that outrages Aibileen?
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What does Aibileen write in a small blue notepad?
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Who does Aibileen recommend Minny to?
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Why have nearly half a dozen maids refused to work for Celia Foote?
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What housekeeping skill is Celia Foote very bad at?
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What item in the living room of the Foote residence frightens Minny?
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What rules did Minny's mother tell her about working for a white woman?
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What threat did Hilly make against Skeeter that causes her angst?
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How long have Hilly, Skeeter, and Elizabeth been friends?
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What college did Skeeter graduate from?
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Who is Pascagoula?
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What does Skeeter's mother nag her about?
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What chronic condition does Skeeter's mother suffer from?
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What is Skeeter's Christian name?
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Who gave Skeeter her nickname?
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What job did Skeeter apply for before in her final days at college?
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Who does Hilly Holbrook set up a date for Skeeter with?
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Who is Constantine?
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Study Notes
Author and Characters
- Kathryn Stockett is the author of "The Help".
- Main characters include Eugenia "Skeeter" Phelan, Aibileen, and Minny, who navigate life as black maids in the early 1960s in Jackson, Mississippi.
Point of View
- The narrative is presented in the first person through the perspectives of Skeeter, Aibileen, and Minny.
Aibileen's Experience
- Aibileen has cared for 17 white babies throughout her life as a maid.
- Mae Mobley, the child Aibileen looks after, suffers from colic when Aibileen begins working for her.
- Aibileen feels Miss Leefolt cannot soothe Mae Mobley due to her being "too skinny."
Treelore and Longleaf Plantation
- Treelore, Aibileen's son, died at 24 years old, leaving Aibileen heartbroken.
- Skeeter lives at Longleaf Plantation with her family, discovering the absence of her beloved maid, Constantine.
Social Dynamics and Racism
- Mrs. Leefolt hosts a bridge party in the first chapter, highlighting social gatherings among white women.
- Hilly refuses to use the guest bathroom because Aibileen, a black maid, uses it, showcasing racial tensions.
Character Interactions
- Skeeter asks Aibileen about Constantine, reflecting her longing for connection and answers.
- Minny is 17 years younger than Aibileen, highlighting generational differences among maids.
Challenges Faced by the Maids
- Aibileen informs Minny that Hilly accused her of neglecting Mrs. Walters.
- Mr. Leefolt tells Mae Mobley she won’t be going to college due to the financial burden imposed by a new colored bathroom.
Changes and Job Seeking
- Minny seeks a new job after being fired, demonstrating the instability of employment for maids.
- Aibileen writes down her prayers in a blue notepad, revealing her spiritual coping mechanism.
Relationships and Recommendations
- Aibileen recommends Minny to Celia Foote, lying about a recommendation from Elizabeth Leefolt.
- Several maids refuse to work for Celia due to the size of her house and workload.
Domestic Skills and Employment
- Celia Foote struggles with cooking, a key skill Minny finds difficult to teach.
- Minny's discomfort is exacerbated by a large bear statue in Celia's living room.
Friendship and Social Pressure
- Hilly, Skeeter, and Elizabeth have been friends since childhood, reflecting deep social ties.
- Skeeter faces pressure from Hilly, who threatens to expel her from their social circle.
Education and Professional Aspirations
- Skeeter graduated from the University of Mississippi and applied for a writing/editor position at Harper & Row.
- Skeeter is nagged by her mother about finding a job, amidst her mother's battle with cancer.
Personal Connections
- Skeeter is affectionately dubbed "Skeeter" by her brother Charlton, a name that suits her independent spirit.
- Constantine, Skeeter’s childhood maid, plays a significant role in her life, although her departure is a source of mystery.
Mrs. Stein and Correspondence
- Mrs. Stein is mentioned in context with a letter sent to Skeeter, hinting at connections that could influence Skeeter's career path.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your knowledge on the key themes and characters from Chapters 1-6 of 'The Help' by Kathryn Stockett. This quiz covers important elements such as character perspectives and the historical context of the story. Perfect for fans and students alike!
