What motivates Hilly from The Help?

Fear and Ignorance largely motivate "Miss Hilly" from
Kathryn Stockett's The Help. Stereotypes about the African American
women in her life have been ingrained in her since childhood, and Hilly is not only
fearful to go against what she sincerely believes to be true about segregation, but she
is also ignorant because she does not seek the truth about her own motivation and
actions.

Hilly's ignorance and inability to look at any
issue from someone else's perspective affect all areas of her life. She believes that
she is right and strikes out at friends, employees, and family when she feels
challenged. She believes that she is a leader, but the only other characters who seem to
follow her are those who fall prey to her intimidating tactics. This is why she is so
vindictive toward Skeeter and Minny; she does not know how to respond when someone does
not give in to her.