When we dive into Kathryn Stockett’s novel “The Help,” one character who stands out, albeit not in a flattering light, is Elizabeth Leefolt. As the mother of the young Mae Mobley and the wife of a successful businessman, Elizabeth embodies a particular type of Southern womanhood that was prevalent during the 1960s. In this essay, I will explore her character through various lenses: her social status, her relationships with others, and ultimately, her moral complexity. It’s important to understand that while she may initially appear as a villain in the story, there are layers to her character that warrant deeper analysis.
The Influence of Social Status
To comprehend Elizabeth’s actions and attitudes throughout “The Help,” we first need to look at her social standing. She belongs to the white upper-middle class of Jackson, Mississippi—a demographic that largely dictates social norms and expectations during this era. Elizabeth is obsessed with maintaining appearances; she desperately clings to societal standards that dictate how a “proper” Southern lady should act. This fixation often translates into superficial concerns about etiquette and household management rather than genuine emotional connection with those around her.
Her interactions often reflect an adherence to these outdated values; for instance, when she dismisses Aibileen’s nurturing relationship with Mae Mobley as inappropriate or too familiar. For Elizabeth, class distinctions not only dictate how she views herself but also how she perceives others—especially those from different racial backgrounds. This attitude serves as both a shield and a weapon; it protects her fragile self-image while allowing her to uphold systemic racism without questioning it.
Relationships: A Reflection of Her Character
Elizabeth’s relationships offer further insight into her personality and moral compass—or lack thereof. Take her relationship with Mae Mobley: it’s painfully apparent that Elizabeth is emotionally unavailable as a mother. Despite being physically present in Mae Mobley’s life, she fails to provide the love and affirmation that every child craves. Instead of nurturing Mae’s curiosity or emotional needs, Elizabeth prioritizes outward appearances over genuine connection.
This neglect leads Mae Mobley to seek affection from Aibileen—a strong Black woman who becomes more of a mother figure than Elizabeth ever could be. The irony here is thick; while Elizabeth believes she’s fulfilling her duties as an upper-class white mother by hiring help for childcare—thereby distancing herself emotionally—she unwittingly allows Aibileen to step into the role she neglects.
Moral Complexity: Villain or Victim?
Now let’s consider whether Elizabeth Leefolt is purely an antagonist or if there are complexities to be explored within her character arc. On one hand, she embodies many problematic traits associated with racism and privilege; on the other hand, it’s crucial to recognize that she’s also a product of her environment—a victim in some respects of societal conditioning.
Throughout “The Help,” we see glimpses of vulnerability beneath Elizabeth’s hard exterior—moments where she grapples with insecurities about motherhood and societal expectations but ultimately chooses conformity over authenticity. For instance, when faced with criticism regarding how she treats both Aibileen and Mae Mobley—or even when discussing issues like civil rights—she reacts defensively rather than introspectively.
This raises questions about accountability versus empathy: can we condemn someone entirely for their beliefs if those beliefs have been ingrained since childhood? It’s this moral ambiguity that makes Stockett’s portrayal so engaging; characters like Elizabeth force us to confront uncomfortable truths about our own prejudices while simultaneously evoking sympathy for their struggle against ingrained ideologies.
The Path Forward
If we examine where Elizabeth ends up by the close of “The Help,” it becomes evident that change does not come easily for someone so entrenched in their ways. While some characters experience growth throughout the narrative—like Skeeter Phelan or even Aibileen—the same cannot be said for Elizabeth. She remains stagnant in many ways because personal evolution requires willingness; it demands confronting uncomfortable truths instead of hiding behind façades upheld by society.
This stagnation serves as a reminder that transformation isn’t always linear—it doesn’t happen overnight nor does it occur without effort from individuals willing to examine their biases critically.
Thus Elisabeth Leefolt serves not just as an antagonist but rather as cautionary tale within “The Help.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, examining Elizabeth Leefolt’s character reveals much more than simply another privileged Southern woman resisting change during America’s Civil Rights Movement era—we uncover layers intertwined deeply within society itself—and ultimately ourselves too! By exploring themes such as social status dynamics alongside relational complexities surrounding motherhood/identity crises combined poignantly together—they invite readers into reflections necessary today still long after original publication date!
- Stockett K., The Help (2009)
- Morrison T., Playing in the Dark: Whiteness and Literary Imagination (1993)
- Baker H.A., African American Women Writers (1988)
