Vivian Baptiste, Grant's girlfriend, and Matthew Antoine, Grant's former teacher at the plantation school, have much in common. Both are teachers; both are Creole; and both have a tremendous impact on Grant. But while Vivian embraces her culture and heritage and identifies with the black community, even though she could "pass" for white, Matthew rejects his culture and heritage and attempts to identify with the white community, a futile task that ultimately destroys him.
Although she is not as outspoken and overbearing as Miss Emma and Tante Lou, Vivian is definitely a strong black woman. In many instances, her strength emphasizes Grant's weakness. She has defied her family by marrying a dark-skinned black man, even though her action causes her to be ostracized from her family. In contrast, Grant is afraid to become involved with Jefferson, lest he be identified with him. Although she loves Grant, she does not hesitate to point out his shortcomings, tactfully, without challenging his male ego. Vivian is a lady, refusing to let Grant take advantage of her. After nursing his wounds following his barroom brawl, she gives him an ultimatum: Unless he is willing to show her some consideration, she will leave him.
