Constantine, Skeeter’s beloved childhood maid, leaves unexpectedly. Later, it’s revealed that she was fired by Skeeter’s mother and moved to Chicago with her daughter, where she died shortly before Skeeter could reunite with her.
In Kathryn Stockett’s novel “The Help,” Constantine Bates is a significant figure in the life of the protagonist, Eugenia “Skeeter” Phelan. Constantine had worked for the Phelan family for 29 years and had a profound impact on Skeeter, having raised her from a young age. Her sudden absence is deeply felt by Skeeter upon her return from college.
As the story unfolds, Skeeter learns the truth about Constantine’s departure. Her mother, Charlotte Phelan, fired Constantine in a moment of societal pressure and personal pride. Charlotte was hosting a luncheon for the Daughters of America and felt embarrassed by Constantine’s daughter, Lulabelle, who is light-skinned enough to pass for white. Lulabelle’s behavior at the luncheon led to an altercation that embarrassed Charlotte, prompting her to dismiss Constantine.
After being fired, Constantine moved to Chicago to live with Lulabelle. Tragically, Constantine died before Skeeter had the chance to see her again. The loss of Constantine and the revelation of the circumstances surrounding her departure become a driving force for Skeeter as she collaborates on a book documenting the experiences of black maids working for white families in Jackson, Mississippi. This project, which becomes the central narrative of “The Help,” is in part an homage to Constantine and the deep bond she and Skeeter shared.
