'The Help' by Kathryn Stockett - Book Club Discussion Questions

The Help, a first novel from Kathryn Stockett, tells the story of a young white woman in Jackson, Mississippi in the 1960s and a group of black maids who work for the families of her friends. Use these book club discussion questions on The Help to discuss the struggles the women face as they chafe against the written and unwritten rules that limit their lives.

Spoiler Warning: These book club discussion questions reveal important details about The Help by Kathryn Stockett. Finish the book before reading on.

1. Which characters did you find most likable and sympathetic?
2. To what extent do you think a person's flaws, such as racist attitudes and behaviors, can be forgiven because it is the norm in the surrounding culture?
3. Could you sympathize with Miss Hilly? Do you think it is possible to be a good mother despite deep character flaws?
4. What motivated Aibileen?
5. What did you think about Minny's revenge?
6. How much do you think the dynamics of relationships between black people and white people have changed?
7. Rate The Help on a scale of 1 to 5.