Character Analysis
Skeeter's father believes in racial equality and is not afraid to tell it to the likes of Senator Whitworth or anybody else. Ironically, his family's money was made on the backs of slaves. Black people still make up the workforce at the Phelan cotton plantation, but, at least according to Carlton Sr., they're paid a living wage and provided with safe working conditions. Skeeter is a little surprised and a whole lot proud to when she hears her father voice his political views for the first time – in front of the Senator, no less.