Overcoming Adversity In Aibileen's Character Sketch

Aibileen is an older woman who is forced to work for a white family, the Leefolts. When Aibileen is given the chance of a lifetime to write a book with other colored maids about their lives, Aibileen begins to conquer her struggle of being in a world of segregation with the help of her friends. Most of the time, Aibileen is mellow and takes orders quietly from the Leefolts. Of course, Aibileen is not allowed to talk back. Unfortunately, Miss Leefolt takes something too far, so Aibileen says, “...feel that bitter seed grow in my chest… my face grows hot, my tongue twitchy. I don’t know what to say to her" (35). In this quote, the metaphor “bitter seed grow in my chest” represents a dark beginning of a hard time for Aibileen. The steady rise of her resentment towards the white people she works for is being …show more content…
The things Miss Leefolt says to Aibileen show how strong Aibileen is to begin with. She endures so much resentment and hatred by holding onto her hope. Another significant moment in Aibileen's life directly relates to her overcoming adversity with regards to having hope. Although Aibileen is struggling with writing a book dedicated to her strenuous life, she is always sure to remind the ones she loves that, "kindness don't have no boundaries" (312). Aibileen is indirectly characterized as an affectionate, tender individual with a large heart. This quote lightens the otherwise somber mood of the story by giving the characters hope in the face of misfortune by talking about kindness. Moreover, when Aibileen states this sanguine fact, it becomes crystal clear that she has hope and faith in the project she is participating in by expressing feelings of contentment and triumph. Clearly, Aibileen's willingness to look on the bright side of things and love for others contribute to her success in overcoming