 Although they try to hide their concern, Joanna's parents and in particular her father are initially upset that she is planning to marry a Negro man.Tillie, the Draytons' black maid for 22 years, also opposes the match, telling Joanna that John is trying to "get above himself" by marrying a white woman.Joanna asks her why it is okay that she loves Tillie but she shouldn’t love John, who is “just as black”.