The Help

Illusion verus reality is a dominant theme in the novel The Help by Katherine Stockett. The maids, their families, and Skeeter all understand the reality of hate and unspoken white heirarchy in the south, while the white community either turns a blind eye or remains clueless. The issues that arise because of this harsh contrast in thinking include the loss of love (with Mae Mobley and Aibleen) the loss of friendships (Skeeter, Hilly, and Elizabeth), and even loss of life (Constantine). The denial leads to defensive actions, especially by Hilly, like when she had Yule May arrested for "theft". Reality and illusion have a defined and thick line between them, and it divides the entire community: those who recognize and see the need to address this automatic hate, and those who prefer to reside in their bubbles of ignorance.