The movie The Help concludes with Aibileen Clark, having courageously contributed her story to Skeeter Phelan’s exposé, being fired from her job by Hilly Holbrook. Despite this setback, Aibileen walks away with newfound hope and dignity, embracing her freedom and looking forward to a future where she can tell her own stories and inspire change.
The Triumph of Courage: Unpacking the Ending of The Help
The film The Help, based on Kathryn Stockett’s novel, culminates in a series of cathartic events that represent both individual and societal shifts. While not a complete resolution to the pervasive racism of 1960s Mississippi, the ending offers a glimmer of hope for the future, fueled by the courage of the Black maids who dared to break the silence and the young white woman who dared to amplify their voices.
The pivotal moment arrives when Skeeter Phelan, played by Emma Stone, publishes “Help,” a book detailing the experiences of Black maids working in white households in Jackson, Mississippi. The book becomes a surprise success, exposing the hypocrisy and cruelty prevalent in the white community. Aibileen Clark, portrayed by Viola Davis, is central to this success, providing Skeeter with invaluable insights and experiences.
However, the publication doesn’t come without consequences. Hilly Holbrook, the film’s antagonist, played by Bryce Dallas Howard, is enraged by the book’s revelations and recognizes herself in a particularly unflattering anecdote. She retaliates by framing Aibileen for theft, leading to Aibileen’s dismissal from her job with the Leefolt family.
Despite losing her job, Aibileen experiences a powerful sense of liberation. The act of telling her story has empowered her and given her a voice she previously lacked. She realizes that she is no longer bound by the constraints of her past and can now pursue her dream of writing and telling her own stories.
The ending also subtly highlights the changing dynamics within the white community. While Hilly Holbrook remains entrenched in her prejudice, other characters, like Celia Foote, portrayed by Jessica Chastain, demonstrate genuine empathy and forge meaningful connections with their Black maids. This suggests that progress, however slow, is possible. The film ends with Aibileen walking away from the Leefolt house, leaving behind a life defined by servitude and embracing a future filled with uncertainty but also immense possibility. This act symbolizes her journey towards self-discovery and the potential for a more just future for herself and her community.
Understanding the Broader Context: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions that delve deeper into the ending of The Help and its significance:
Exploring the Characters and Their Fates
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What happens to Skeeter Phelan after publishing “Help”? Skeeter accepts a job offer in New York City as a copy editor, pursuing her dream of becoming a writer. This signifies her escape from the suffocating confines of Jackson and her commitment to using her voice to advocate for social change. While leaving behind the personal turmoil of her complicated family dynamics, she embraces a path dedicated to professional fulfillment and social justice.
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Does Hilly Holbrook face any real consequences for her actions? Hilly is publicly humiliated when her attempt to discredit the book backfires, exposing her pettiness and cruelty. While she doesn’t face legal repercussions, her social standing is tarnished, and she loses some of her influence within the community. This serves as a symbolic, albeit incomplete, form of justice for her reprehensible behavior. The subtle downfall of Hilly Holbrook offers a satisfying resolution to the conflicts she perpetuated throughout the narrative.
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What is the significance of Aibileen finally writing her own stories? Aibileen writing her own stories represents a profound shift in power dynamics. For years, her voice and experiences were filtered through the lens of white society. By taking control of her narrative, she reclaims her agency and empowers herself to shape her own destiny. This is arguably the most poignant message of the film’s resolution.
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What happens to Minny Jackson after the book is published? Minny, played by Octavia Spencer, continues to work for Celia Foote, who proves to be a kind and supportive employer. Their friendship deepens, representing a significant step towards bridging the racial divide. The unlikely bond between Minny and Celia is one of the heartwarming aspects of The Help, and the publication of the book does not diminish their friendship but rather reinforces their mutual respect.
Analyzing the Themes and Messages
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What is the overall message of the ending regarding racial equality? The ending suggests that while progress is being made, the fight for racial equality is far from over. Aibileen’s firing highlights the continued prevalence of racism, while her newfound freedom and the success of the book offer a glimmer of hope for a more just future. The ending is more of a starting point for a larger conversation about racial equality rather than a definitive conclusion.
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How does the film portray the power of storytelling? The Help emphasizes the transformative power of storytelling. By sharing their experiences, the Black maids break the silence surrounding racism and expose the injustices they face. This act of collective storytelling empowers them and inspires others to take action.
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What is the significance of the film being set in the 1960s? Setting the film in the 1960s, during the Civil Rights Movement, provides a historical context for the story and highlights the social and political struggles of the time. It reminds the audience of the pervasive racism that existed and the courage it took for people to challenge the status quo.
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Does the ending offer a sense of closure for all the characters? While some characters, like Aibileen and Skeeter, find a degree of closure and hope for the future, others, like Hilly Holbrook, remain entrenched in their prejudice. This reflects the complex reality of social change, where progress is often uneven and incomplete. The ending does not aim to tie up all loose ends but rather to initiate a conversation about historical injustices and ongoing societal challenges.
Considering the Film’s Impact and Accuracy
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How was the film received in terms of its portrayal of race relations? The film received mixed reviews, with some praising its portrayal of courage and resilience, while others criticized it for perpetuating stereotypes and presenting a sanitized version of history. There were concerns raised about whether the film truly gave voice to the Black maids or whether it was told primarily through a white perspective.
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What are some criticisms of the film’s historical accuracy? Critics have pointed out inaccuracies in the film’s depiction of life in the 1960s South, as well as concerns about its reliance on the “white savior” trope, where white characters are portrayed as primarily responsible for helping Black characters overcome adversity.
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How does the film compare to the book it is based on? While the film generally follows the plot of the book, there are some differences in character development and emphasis. Some critics argue that the film downplays the darker aspects of racism and focuses more on the emotional connections between the characters.
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What is the lasting impact of The Help on discussions about race and representation in media? The Help sparked important conversations about race, representation, and the responsibility of filmmakers to accurately portray historical events. While the film has its flaws, it also served as a catalyst for further discussions about diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry. The ongoing dialogue initiated by The Help underscores the importance of critical analysis and mindful storytelling in addressing sensitive social issues.