The Quiet Work of Aibileen Clark

In 1963, in Jackson, Mississippi, Aibileen Clark was employed as a domestic worker in the home of socialite Elizabeth Leefolt. Her primary responsibility was the care of Elizabeth’s young daughter, Mae Mobley. The child, emotionally overlooked by her mother, relied on Aibileen for comfort and affection. Day by day, Aibileen navigated her duties with quiet dignity while enduring the everyday indignities of a racially divided South.

Aibileen’s closest companion, Minny Jackson, also worked in domestic service. She was employed by Mrs. Walters, whose daughter, Hilly Holbrook, held considerable influence within the town’s social circles. Hilly’s strict views on race and class shaped many of the expectations placed upon the town’s Black maids.

Skeeter’s Return and a New Perspective

Eugenia “Skeeter” Phelan, recently graduated from the University of Mississippi, returned home with aspirations of becoming a writer. Rejection from Harper & Row editor Elaine Stein did not deter her; instead, she accepted a local job writing a household advice column for the Jackson Journal. Through this, Skeeter began to witness firsthand the systemic racism embedded in her community.

Hilly Holbrook began pushing for legislation requiring separate bathrooms for Black domestic workers, citing sanitation concerns. Skeeter, disturbed by these developments, became increasingly disillusioned with her social group. At the same time, her mother, Charlotte Phelan, claimed that their longtime maid Constantine had quit unexpectedly—an explanation Skeeter found suspect.

Determined to expose the truth about the lives of the women who served white families, Skeeter began to conceive of a book composed of their stories. Encouraged by Elaine Stein to collect multiple accounts, she first approached Aibileen, who hesitated due to fear of retribution. Eventually, after a powerful church sermon and much reflection, Aibileen agreed. Minny, recently fired for using an indoor toilet during a tornado, joined as well. Hilly had falsely accused her of theft, leaving Minny unable to find new employment.

An Unexpected Alliance

Minny was eventually hired by Celia Rae Foote, a young woman living in social exile. Celia’s inability to cook and her loneliness led her to seek help, though she initially kept Minny’s employment secret from her husband, Johnny. Celia had experienced multiple miscarriages and lived under the scrutiny of women like Hilly, who had once dated Johnny. Despite their differences, a bond formed between Minny and Celia, rooted in mutual respect.

Minny provided emotional support when Celia suffered another miscarriage. In return, Celia treated Minny with kindness and generosity, a stark contrast to her previous employers. Their alliance remained hidden from Jackson’s watchful eyes, but it became essential to both women.

Stories of Pain and Strength

Skeeter’s project slowly progressed. Aibileen shared the painful memory of her only son, who had died after a workplace accident due to negligence by his white foreman. The risk of speaking out remained immense. Hilly’s maid, Yule May Davis, had asked for a loan to help her sons attend college. When Hilly refused, Yule May pawned a ring she found while cleaning. For that act, she was arrested and sentenced. Her treatment, coupled with the assassination of civil rights activist Medgar Evers, encouraged other maids to speak up.

As a form of protection, Minny contributed an unforgettable story—what she referred to as the “terrible awful.” After being dismissed by Hilly, she had baked a chocolate pie laced with her own feces and served it to her. Hilly’s unwitting consumption of two slices provided a layer of insurance; should anyone identify the maids in the book, this story would also be revealed.

Truths Uncovered

Eventually, Skeeter demanded to know the truth about Constantine. Her mother confessed. During a society luncheon, Constantine’s daughter Rachel had attempted to enter through the front door. Charlotte, worried about appearances, fired Constantine. Rachel and Constantine relocated to Chicago, where Constantine later died. The truth shattered Skeeter’s remaining illusions.

When Skeeter’s manuscript was complete, it was published anonymously under the title The Help. The book gained attention across Jackson. The maids received modest payments from the first royalty check, and Skeeter promised more to come. However, the book’s success brought consequences. Skeeter’s boyfriend, Stuart Whitworth, ended their relationship upon learning of her involvement.

Consequences and Choices

Hilly began to suspect her portrayal in the book, especially after realizing the connection to the pie story. She threatened Skeeter with a lawsuit, but ultimately chose not to act, knowing she would have to admit the truth publicly. Charlotte Phelan, having read the book, supported her daughter and ordered Hilly out of their home. The conflict led to a rare moment of understanding between Charlotte and Skeeter.

At the Foote residence, Minny eventually told Celia the real reason Hilly ostracized her. Celia, realizing the depth of the betrayal, gained new confidence. Johnny, aware of Minny’s employment all along, promised her continued support. With the promise of job security, Minny decided to leave her abusive husband.

Skeeter received an offer for a publishing job in New York. Although hesitant, she was encouraged by Aibileen and Minny to pursue it. With their blessing, she prepared to leave Jackson behind.

A Final Farewell

In retaliation, Hilly pressured Elizabeth Leefolt to fire Aibileen, accusing her of theft. Elizabeth complied, despite Aibileen’s pleas. Mae Mobley cried as Aibileen said goodbye, and Aibileen asked Elizabeth to show her daughter the love she had never offered. With heavy steps, Aibileen left the house and the profession she had long endured.

Determined to follow a new path, she resolved to become a writer. Though her future remained uncertain, the voices she had helped bring forward had been heard.