Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother’s Will to Survive

Throughout Maid, the reader sees Land expressing herself through writing, mostly with journaling and blogging. In what ways does writing serve as an important outlet for Land? As you consider this question, reflect upon the following:

• What are some particularly challenging moments for Land? How does she cope?
• Explain Land’s concept of “still lives” that she captures in her blog. What is important about these “still lives”?
• What writers does Land admire? How does this manifest in her writing and in her life?

Teaching Suggestion: Through Land’s journaling and blogging, she has a space to give voice to her experiences. In her work as a maid, she is often rendered invisible; in her romantic relationships, her voice is often suppressed under a threat of violence. In her writing, however, she finds her voice. For example, one key moment in which Land uses writing to cope reflects her troubled relationship with Travis. Land’s concept of “still lives” are small moments between her and her daughter that she captures on her blog; the “still lives” help her to cherish these moments, even though the stress of poverty weighs on her. John Steinbeck is a source of inspiration for Land; he inspires her to move beyond the stagnancy of her everyday life.