The setting of the play is an apartment in Harlem. Although Bill is a struggling artist, it is clear that he, Sonny-Man and Cynthia are better financially situated than Oldtimer and Tommy. Historically, the 1960's were a period of uprising and rioting, due to the civil rights movement in America. Bill, Sonny-Man and Cynthia seem almost disinterested and unaffected by the events occurring right outside their door. Oldtimer is impacted, because he cannot help availing himself to articles looted during the riot. Tommy is most negatively impacted by the loss of her apartment and belongings.

The author wants to make the important point with these characters that there were different socio-economic strata within the African Americans at this point in time. However, there were also shared experiences and heritage, which superseded all of that. Childress makes the play historically accurate by introducing current events and...