The poem’s setting is established immediately in the title, priming the reader with context so that the poet doesn’t need to waste time on unnecessary exposition within the body of the poem. The intersection of highways 61 and 49 in Clarksdale, Mississippi, is believed to be the place where blues musician Robert Johnson sold his soul. Although historians contest this claim, the town has made the most of this legend and erected a monument in Johnson’s honor featuring crossed guitars. The poet draws from pre-existing cultural beliefs to draw the reader deep into the world they have created.