Modern Woman

I only have fifty pages left in The Help. I am thoroughly enjoying this novel because there is never a dull chapter. Kathryn Stockett skips periods of time in the sequence of the novel to keep interest in the plot. For example, the novel skips about six months between Skeeter's submission of the manuscript and the publication of the Help. Additionally, the point of view changes every couple of chapters. The narrative switches off between Skeeter, Aibileen, and Minny. The change in narration adds depth to the novel because the three main characters have radically different perspectives on the same event. The difference in perspectives is especially evident when comparing Skeeter's narrative with Aibileen and Minny's. Because the novel's setting is Jackson, Mississippi in the 1960's, white woman are treated with legions more respect and dignity than black woman are. In the tense racially-charged environment of Jackson, the majority of the white population consider blacks to be an inferior race. Aibileen and Minny are not treated as decent human beings. Skeeter does not experience racism directly. Thus, the three different perspectives in the novel help the reader to comprehend the novel from many directions.

One of my favorite chapters in the novel is told from Skeeter's perspective. She drives to New Orleans to buy clothes at a department store. As soon as she walks in, a salesperson approaches her and mistakenly leads her upstairs to the new "Modern Woman's clothing" department. The department is new and features entirely different clothes than the old women's department. The clothes, designed by Emilio Pucci, have shorter hemlines, brighter colors, and crazier designs than the "Easter-egg suits" of the modest labels downstairs. Skeeter is fascinated by the  new styles, even though they are considered scandalous by Jackson's standards. For instance, Stuart refuses to say hello to his parents because he fears they will disapprove of Skeeter's "short" dress. I think that Skeeter's new "modern woman" look symbolizes her growth. By the end of the novel, Skeeter accepts herself for who she is and recognizes her beliefs and morals. She finally rejects Jackson's exclusive society and emerges as a true modern woman.

I am adding The Help to my list of all-time favorite novels because it is a pleasure to read. It's a book that you can lose yourself in for hours.