Summary: The Help By Kathryn Stockett
1.10 Reading Response
The Help (Novel) – Kathryn Stockett
In the novel The Help, the author Kathryn Stockett examines the idea of one’s pursuit of happiness, and what makes one truly happy. Stockett depicts this idea through three separate aspects in the novel. Firstly, she shows the huge prospects of happiness through the relationship between Skeeter, Minny and Aibileen. Additionally, Stockett portrays the pursuit of happiness of Miss Celia, and thus uncovers what qualities create true happiness. Finally, the author emphasises aspects of happiness through the contrast in the ‘two societies’ we see in Jackson, Mississippi.
Stockett throughout the text, consistently shows the limitless levels of one’s happiness through friendships, as …show more content…
In the town of Jackson is split into two separate societies, the coloured and the white. Throughout the book, Stockett assesses the contrasting mind-sets within each of these societies. Within the coloured society, the kindness and willingness to give is very evident: ‘If you can love your enemy, you already have victory.’ While the system of the white society is very evident through Aibileens comments: “They go doing things behind one another’s backs. And why? Because they are suffocating within the lines that define their town and their times. And sometimes lines are made to be crossed.” This contrast in the depiction of the two realms of society help the reader understand the idea of self-fulfilment and happiness, as it shows the differing extremes of human nature. On one hand, we propel ourselves to the top at the expense of others and often in the end your own happiness, and on the other we achieve as one and everyone is content with their role in society. From this idea and the contrasting approaches to society as a whole, I have learned that the first step to being contented with your life is to be glad about the people who surround you. If you do not appreciate these people, and you take them for granted, then not only will you put your friendships in jeopardy, but you are unlikely to be truly happy with where you are in life and where you want to
The Help (Novel) – Kathryn Stockett
In the novel The Help, the author Kathryn Stockett examines the idea of one’s pursuit of happiness, and what makes one truly happy. Stockett depicts this idea through three separate aspects in the novel. Firstly, she shows the huge prospects of happiness through the relationship between Skeeter, Minny and Aibileen. Additionally, Stockett portrays the pursuit of happiness of Miss Celia, and thus uncovers what qualities create true happiness. Finally, the author emphasises aspects of happiness through the contrast in the ‘two societies’ we see in Jackson, Mississippi.
Stockett throughout the text, consistently shows the limitless levels of one’s happiness through friendships, as …show more content…
In the town of Jackson is split into two separate societies, the coloured and the white. Throughout the book, Stockett assesses the contrasting mind-sets within each of these societies. Within the coloured society, the kindness and willingness to give is very evident: ‘If you can love your enemy, you already have victory.’ While the system of the white society is very evident through Aibileens comments: “They go doing things behind one another’s backs. And why? Because they are suffocating within the lines that define their town and their times. And sometimes lines are made to be crossed.” This contrast in the depiction of the two realms of society help the reader understand the idea of self-fulfilment and happiness, as it shows the differing extremes of human nature. On one hand, we propel ourselves to the top at the expense of others and often in the end your own happiness, and on the other we achieve as one and everyone is content with their role in society. From this idea and the contrasting approaches to society as a whole, I have learned that the first step to being contented with your life is to be glad about the people who surround you. If you do not appreciate these people, and you take them for granted, then not only will you put your friendships in jeopardy, but you are unlikely to be truly happy with where you are in life and where you want to