What are the symbols and motifs in The Help? Are there any mentioned on a regular basis?

Actually, the phrase "the help" is a recurring motif
throughout the novel.  Obviously, the phrase is used literally to refer to the maids;
however, the phrase is also used to define the myriad relationships that are developed
among white families and their maids.  As Skeeter and Aibileen complete the book with
the other maids, it becomes evident that several families have become dependent on their
maids.  Minny provided all care for Hilly's mother and when she was fired, Hilly's
mother went into a senior facility.  Other families are equally dependent on their
maids.  Yet other families appear to be indifferent to their maids and treat them with
little civil regard, such as Hilly's treatment of her maids.  Then there are others who
stand up for their maids even in times of hardship such as Celia's standing up for Minny
even after she finds out Minny's terrible secret.  These variations complicate the
racial divide in Southern society which is one of the themes that Stockett explores in
her novel.