Analysis Of The Help By Kathryn Stockett

1526 Words4 Pages

In the introduction to The Help, author Kathryn Stockett says, “I started writing it the day after September 11... I was really homesick – I couldn 't even call my family and tell them I was fine. So I started writing in the voice of Demetrie, the maid I had growing up.” Demetrie was a strong source of stability in Stockett’s life, just like the characters in her own novel. Everything Demetrie did for the Stockett family was well before she started thinking about Demetrie’s point of view on the situation. Stockett states, “I am ashamed to admit that it took me 20 years to realize the irony of that relationship. I 'm sure that 's why I wrote my novel, The Help – to find answers to my questions, to soothe my own mind about Demetrie.” (Stockett 528-529) Throughout the heartbreaking yet ironic novel, Stockett made sure to unveil how writing has enough power to develop positive changes on not only individuals, but communities that have a strong mindset of what they think is right and wrong. The novel starts in August of 1962, in Jackson, Mississippi. The first character that is introduced is 53 years …show more content…

Throughout the story, the African-American maids are treated unfairly in several different ways and Stockett does a great job of making the readers picture that in their mind as they progress through the story. She made sure to show that when people take a stand and make their voices be heard they can make a difference. When someone wants to be heard they will be heard if they try hard enough. So, with a bit of courage and hope anything can be achieved if you really want it to. Through this compelling story, it is seen that writing does have the power to make forceful yet positive changes, on individuals and a community as a whole, even when society has such a strong outlook on what is right and

Open Document