Education Quotes in The Help

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #1

I saw the way my mama acted when Miss Woodra brought her home, all yes Ma'aming, No Ma'aming. I sure do thank you Ma'aming. Why I got to be like that? I know how to stand up to people. (3.130)

Minny's mother tries to teach Minny that a non-confrontational, super-polite attitude toward white people is the best way to survive. But, instead, Minny believes in standing up for herself, sometimes at great cost.

Quote #2

"You're the smartest one in my class, Aibileen," she say. "And the only way you're going to stay sharp is to and write every day."

So I start writing my prayers down instead a sayin em. But nobody call me smart since. (2.126, 2.127)

Aibileen doesn't get another chance to demonstrate her intellectual prowess again until she's in her fifties.

Quote #3

Mrs. Charlotte Phelan's guide to Husband-Hunting, Rule Number One: a pretty, petite girl should accentuate with makeup and good posture. A tall plain one, with a trust fund. (5.36)

Like Minny, Skeeter Phelan resists aspects of the education she gets from her mother.