Skeeter's relationship with Constantine parallels Aibileen's attachment to Mae Mobley: The bonds between black maid and white child run deep and usually lead to heartbreak for both. The white child often forms a devotion to the maid, which is reciprocated, but the child will eventually grow up to be a future employer with the power. As children they must obey their maids, but when the child matures, the maids become the ones who must obey. Also, even though the bond is strong between maid and child, the parents can sever the bond without explanation. It is an impossible relationship, yet the love between maid and child is a constant theme in Southern culture.