After the events depicted in The Help, the lives of the central maids, Minny Jackson and Aibileen Clark, took distinct paths, while their collaborator, Skeeter Phelan, also embarked on a new chapter.
Post-Publication Lives of Key Characters
The completion of the anonymous book project and Skeeter's subsequent departure marked significant turning points for the characters involved in its creation.
Minny Jackson's Continued Employment
Minny Jackson, renowned for her exceptional cooking and sharp wit, secured a stable future following the book's publication. She continued her employment with Celia Foote, establishing a relationship that provided her with much-needed job security and a supportive working environment. This continuity offered a sense of stability in an otherwise uncertain time for the characters.
Aibileen Clark's Retirement
Aibileen Clark, the compassionate and insightful narrator, experienced a more immediate change. She was fired by Elizabeth Leefolt, the woman for whom she had worked for many years. Following this significant event, Aibileen made the profound decision to retire from her career as a maid, choosing to step away from the demanding and often challenging profession that had defined much of her adult life.
Skeeter Phelan's New Beginning
Skeeter Phelan, the aspiring writer who spearheaded the anonymous book detailing the experiences of the maids, received a pivotal opportunity that led her away from Jackson, Mississippi. She accepted a job offer in New York and moved there alone, pursuing her literary ambitions and leaving behind the Southern societal norms she had bravely challenged.
Summary of Character Fates
To provide a clear overview, here's a summary of what happened to these key individuals:
| Character | Fate After The Help |
|---|---|
| Minny Jackson | Continued her work with Celia Foote, gaining job security. |
| Aibileen Clark | Fired by Elizabeth Leefolt, subsequently chose to retire from maid work. |
| Skeeter Phelan | Accepted a job offer in New York and moved there. |
This detailed account shows the varied outcomes for the characters central to the story, highlighting both continuity and significant life changes that followed the book's impact.
