The Help

The Help is a novel written by Kathryn Stockett. From beginning to end, this book will keep you interested in the strong sisterhood that is formed between three brave women and a town that will be rudely awaken by their truth. The story is set in Jackson Mississippi, during the early 1960's when the African-American women were left to raise white children, but not trusted to enough to use their bosses bathroom inside the house. 

Aibileen is a stubby, dark skinned, strong minded maid raising her 17th white child. Mrs. Leefolt happens to be a young white woman with a fragile mind who neglects her two year old daughter because she feels she isn’t pretty enough. From her mothers neglect Mae Mobley sees “Aibee” as her mother, Aibileen knows shes not going to be working for the Leefolts for much longer. So she teaches Mae Mobley lessons that she will never forget in order to become strong without the love from her mother.

“You is kind, You is smart, You is important."

Aibileen's use of repetition shows how much she wanted to emphasize how important Mae Mobely actually is, despite how much her mother may or may not pay attention. When she repeatedly says "You is", Aibileen is setting up a serious tone to Mae Mobley so it stays in her head that she is serious and she means everything she says. The reason this line stuck out to me the most was because I could feel the sincerity in Aibileens voice (although I had been reading), she seemed to sound so pure and honest in the words she said. I could instantly tell that she was trying to build Mae Mobley into a strong girl, since she had a weak support system.