Creed is defined as an idea or set of beliefs that guides the actions of a person or group. In The Help Kathryn Stockett utilizes the creed of Skeeter Phelan to expose the vast mentalities that were prevalent in Jackson, Mississippi at the time. Skeeter Phelan was a significant character because she did not allow fear of societal alienation to silence her thoughts and that encouraged others to share their thoughts. Skeeter’s beliefs and thoughts began to show through her actions which resulted in abandonment from her “friends” and alienation from the Jackson, Mississippi population.
Skeeter Phelan chose to write a book which featured African American maids and their stories about the Caucasian families they worked for, which included many
…show more content…
After Skeeter is addressed that way, “most turned their heads to see if Skeeter had the gall to show up”. The community had expected her to withdraw her participation because she had broken her mindless allegiance to Hilly Holbrook. By Skeeter breaking that allegiance to Hilly Holbrook she had broken any ties she could have had to the Caucasian community in Jackson. When Skeeter tried to associate with some Caucasian ladies at a Junior League meeting, all backs had formed a wall to her. When Skeeter tried to associate with childhood friends, a look of embarrassment would come across their face for having to be in her company. The community did not know that the real tension between Holbrook and Phelan resided in their difference of opinion about the future of integration. What the community did know, however, was that they did not want to be a target for Holbrooks petulant vengeance and lose social status as Skeeter Phelan had. The unspoken resolve was to alienate and distance Skeeter Phelan so they could remain in Hilly Holbrook's good