“I think about how things are different between Hilly and me, since I came home from school. But who is the different person, her or me?” (Stockett 64). Eugenia “Skeeter” Phelan arrives home from college only to find she does not fit in anywhere or with anyone. At bridge club, her friends speak ill of their colored help; at home, her overbearing mother pesters her about her appearance and nags her to get married. As Skeeter listens to more of her friends’ conversations, she feels inspired to write a book detailing the lives of African-American help. Through the process of writing “Help”, Skeeter grows from an insecure, awkward girl to a stronger, independent woman. Despite growing up in a privileged family, Skeeter feels constantly out of place with her friends. Returning home after graduation, she finds all her close childhood friends grown up with their own children while she still remains single, much to her …show more content…
Previously, she would feel “tired and content and… frustrated” (Stockett 493), but after writing “Help”, she experiences a liberating sense of freedom, as she does not need to agree with Hilly anymore. Ostracised by Hilly and her friends after her toilet prank, Skeeter throws herself into writing to dull the pain of losing her close companions. Unfortunately, even Stuart finds himself at a loss with what to do with her, not able to understand her liberal thoughts. Skeeter acts more modern in terms of thinking and dressing, such as her act of wearing short dresses. Due to the fact that Stuart took a deep interest in and actually loved her, Skeeter feels crushed when they finally break up. However, that experience also teaches her to deal with grief, and she ultimately realizes that she does not need to depend on a man. All these difficulties help Skeeter to grow up and they also make her more