Chapter 7 + 8

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• havo
• Leerjaar 5

Chapter 7: Aibileen

1. Explain Aibileen’s simile and metaphor regarding Mae Mobley and identify the context: “She like one a them baby chickens that get confused and follow the ducks around instead.” 

-> Mae Mobley identifies with Aibileen more than with Elizabeth

-> prefers eating her lunch with Aibileen (not done)

2. Aibileen's plan for Mae Mobley

 Elizabeth treats the child as a burden and chastises her more often than she praises her. 

=> worried about her negative self-image: Aibileen decides on a daily routine of praise and compliments.

3. potty training

in the restroom in the garage: Aibileen shows Mae Mobley how

to use the toilet. (not done!)

-> children need to be shown how the process works, and

Elizabeth will not let Mae Mobley into the restroom with her. 

4. Elizabeth hits Mae Mobley

The "bitter seed" grows

 + Aibileen feels guilty about the incident, blaming herself, but 

5. special date

Treelore died on November 8th. 

- every year, this date depresses Aibileen.

- tries to visit her son’s grave each year, but cannot make the trip this time (too busy)

6. Treelore's friend Robert

Robert, a caring young man who mows lawns for a living, is beaten for using the wrong restroom.

=> chased down by two white men and beaten with a tire iron ->

hospitalized and permanently blinded

7. suggestion Skeeter

- book project: secret interview with Aibileen (collection).

- dangerous project: fear of being fired from her job 

- anecdotes of black people attacked and beaten for conduct 

=> well-defined racial lines in Southern society

8. mysteries so far

• What will happen with Minny, Celia, and Johnny?

  • What has happened to Constantine?

  • What does Skeeter want Aibileen’s help with?

  • What conflict over race will occur between Skeeter and Hilly?

9. Aibileen's reactions

Aibileen: dangerous to take part in the project

- knows other maids have seen them talking + worried about their reactions.

Chapter 8: Skeeter

1. Explain Skeeter’s book project idea as she discusses it with Elaine Stein.

2. two challenges

Skeeter wants to interview a series of maids in Jackson, asking questions about their experiences working for white families

- secret + anonymous (dangerous!)

3. Skeeter offers Aibileen something

- tries to give Aibileen 35dollars; Aibileen doesn't accept

- Skeeter: mixed motives: show appreciation + buy Aibileen's  participation 

4. Aibileen's response to Hilly

Hilly wants everyone to be excited about the separate bathroom, including Aibileen

Purpose: keeping the black help from spreading disease to Caucasian families (rude!)

5. succesful idea Skeeter's mom

-> Shinalator: straighten a person’s hair.

=> Skeeter’s normally frizzy hair is successfully straightened (symbolism)