Themes (AQA A-Level English Literature A): Revision Notes
Themes
Understanding themes in literature
Themes represent the core ideas and universal concepts that writers explore throughout a literary work. In The Help, Kathryn Stockett examines several interconnected themes that reveal the complexities of race, power and human relationships in 1960s Mississippi.
The power of writing and storytelling
One of the central themes in The Help concerns how writing and storytelling can challenge systems of oppression. Society in Jackson, Mississippi operates on unspoken expectations and rules that everyone implicitly understands. However, when these unstated social norms are documented in writing, they become visible to everyone and pose a genuine threat to those who maintain prejudiced systems.
The novel centres on the experiences of Black domestic workers employed by white families. Whilst their stories might not initially appear revolutionary, the act of recording the racist and frequently abusive treatment these women endure creates a permanent record.
When prejudiced behaviour is documented, it becomes exposed for all to see, potentially shaming those responsible. This documentation strips away some of the power these white employers previously held. The book illustrates that writing transforms hidden injustice into undeniable evidence.
Additionally, it reveals something uncomfortable about certain white characters who do not wish their actions scrutinised, as they fear the consequences of their maids speaking openly about their experiences.
Writing manifests its power in more personal ways throughout the novel as well. Aibileen demonstrates this when she begins recording her prayers rather than simply speaking them aloud. Somehow, the written prayers feel more substantial and meaningful to her companions. Aibileen's writing abilities also provide her with confidence when she struggles to articulate her stories verbally to Skeeter. The act of writing gives Aibileen a sense of authority and self-assurance that society typically denies her.
Character Example: Aibileen's Writing Journey
Initially, Skeeter doubts whether Aibileen possesses the skills to write down her experiences, likely because of Aibileen's lack of formal higher education. However, Aibileen's writing ultimately impresses Skeeter, demonstrating that anyone can exercise power through storytelling when they have something important to communicate, regardless of their race or educational background.
The complexity of people and relationships
At the novel's beginning, most characters view each other through narrow, socially prescribed categories. However, as Skeeter compiles her book, she discovers that people and relationships contain far more nuance than simple categories can capture.
When interviewing the domestic workers, Skeeter finds their most surprising revelations involve their complicated feelings towards their employers. Whilst many express clear contempt for white women like Hilly, simultaneously they experience genuine affection for the white children in their care. Sometimes these conflicting emotions exist towards the same individual.
Character Example: Skeeter and Charlotte's Relationship
Skeeter experiences this complexity firsthand in her relationship with her mother, Charlotte. Their relationship oscillates between cold criticism and genuine care. Skeeter particularly resents how Charlotte dismissed Constantine, their childhood maid. Despite this resentment, Skeeter cannot bring herself to expose what Charlotte did to Constantine in the book.
The novel reveals complexity in unexpected places. As Skeeter learns more about the women she interviews, she discovers hidden depths in people she thought she understood.
Though Lou Anne initially appears as merely another one of Hilly's followers and a typical privileged woman, after the book's publication Skeeter learns that Lou Anne struggles with depression. Furthermore, Lou Anne's close bond with her maid Louvenia represents something she must conceal, as society would not accept or understand such genuine cross-racial friendship.
Recognising each person's unique character reveals how futile it becomes to categorise others by race or economic status alone. When we acknowledge and celebrate people's individual differences, society becomes more enriching for everyone.
The deception of appearances
Race represents the most obvious characteristic by which people judge others in The Help. Hilly Holbrook exemplifies how many white people during this period perceived Black people as dirty, diseased and unintelligent. These prejudiced attitudes directly contributed to Jim Crow laws enforcing segregation in both public and private spaces.
However, the relationships and characters throughout the novel expose the absurdity of judging people based solely on appearance.
Character Example: Skeeter's Worth Beyond Appearance
Skeeter serves as a constant reminder that conventional attractiveness does not determine worth. Though not traditionally attractive and possessing unmanageable hair, Skeeter demonstrates herself as the most open-minded white character in the novel. This positions her as someone whose character should not be assessed by appearance alone.
Similarly, Mae Mobley, the child Aibileen cares for, faces constant criticism from her mother for being overweight. Both Aibileen and Constantine, Skeeter's childhood maid, remind the girls they care for that inner qualities matter more than external appearance. Unfortunately, this crucial message remains elusive for many members of Jackson society.
Several characters judge Celia Foote based on her appearance and background. Most other white women in Jackson regard Celia as 'white trash' because she grew up in an impoverished, rural area. Her heavy Southern accent and unfamiliarity with certain social conventions make this background obvious. Celia desperately wants acceptance but faces ostracism from Jackson's white women due to her perceived lack of sophistication and her marriage to Hilly's former boyfriend.
Character Example: Celia's True Character
Nevertheless, Celia proves herself far kinder and less prejudiced than the women who attempt to impress themselves upon her. When Minny initially perceives Celia as unintelligent and lazy, Celia demonstrates her true character by attacking a home intruder and saving Minny's life. This action reveals there exists far more substance to Celia than superficial first impressions suggest.
Key Themes to Remember:
- Writing as power: The act of documenting racist behaviour exposes injustice and threatens those who perpetuate discrimination, whilst giving voice to the oppressed.
- Complex relationships: People cannot be reduced to simple racial or social categories; individuals experience conflicting emotions and hidden depths that defy easy classification.
- Appearance versus reality: The novel challenges judgements based on race, class and physical appearance, showing that true character exists beneath surface impressions.
- Universal application: All three themes interconnect to critique 1960s Mississippi society and reveal how assumptions limit our understanding of others.
- Exam tip: Use specific character examples like Aibileen, Celia and Skeeter to illustrate how Stockett develops these themes throughout the narrative.