Race Relations

Race relations were a major issue during the time this film was made. During filming, the film's characters were engaging in behavior that was illegal in seventeen states. The summer the film was released, there were at least 40 race riots in the United States. By using race as the basis for the film, the creators caught the public's interest.

Through Tillie, we also see that races don't necessarily have sympathy for their own. Tillie believed that John was getting above his station, and the viewer can see that she has not begun to accept equality between races. Although the meaning seems to be well-hidden, the viewer notices that Tillie is not looked upon fondly because she is tearing down those of her own race and refusing to believe that equality is possible.

Romance

Romance, obviously, is one of the major aspects of Guess Who's Coming to Dinner...