1. The help and Existentialism

2. Movie Synopsis
Set in Mississippi during the 1960s, Skeeter (Stone) is a southern society girl who returns from college determined to become a writer, but turns her friends' lives -- and a Mississippi town -- upside down when she decides to interview the black women who have spent their lives taking care of prominent southern families. Aibileen (Davis), Skeeter's best friend's housekeeper, is the first to open up -- to the dismay of her friends in the tight-knit black community. Despite Skeeter's life- long friendships hanging in the balance, she and Aibileen continue their collaboration and soon more women come forward to tell their stories -- and as it turns out, they have a lot to say. Along the way, unlikely friendships are forged and a new sisterhood emerges, but not before everyone in town has a thing or two to say themselves when they become unwittingly -- and unwillingly -- caught up in the changing times.

3. How does this relate to Existentialism
Existentialism is a 20th century philosophy concerned with human existence, finding self, and the meaning of life through free will, choice and personal responsibility. The belief that people are searching to find out who and what they are throughout life as they make choices based on their experiences, beliefs, and outlook, without the help of laws, ethnic rules, or traditions.

4. Existence Human existence has been questioned many times in history.
Main Question: Ultimately who decides our own existence?

5. Assignment (Due: 11:59p.m. on Tuesday)
The Help and Existentialism After watching the movie The Help, answer the following questions. Post your answers in the Google classroom site. 1.) In your own words, what is Existentialism (in 25 words or less)? 2.) Are the maids in the movie, Minny and Aibileen, practicing Existentialist ideas? Explain. In contrast, what about Hilley Holbrook? Is she an Existentialist? Explain. (2 Paragraphs 5-7 Sentences each) 3.) One of the last scenes in the movie has Aibileen reflecting on her life and career. She mentions that nobody has ever asked her to tell her story and now that she has, she feels "free" even if she just lost her job. What is your story? Are you living in "essence" or are you an "existentialist?” (1 Paragraph 5-7 Sentences)