Setting

Because Funnyhouse of a Negro is a surreal play that takes place primarily inside Sarah's mind, only a few aspects of the setting are "real."

Set in the early 1960s, the play takes place in Sarah's room in a New York City brownstone. Her room features a large statue of Queen Victoria, other pictures of British monarchs, books, a bed, and a writing table. Some of the "realistic" action takes place on the landing and inside Raymond' s room.

The play has several settings specific to Sarah's four selves. For example, the Queen has her own chamber with a tomb-like mahogany bed, a chandelier, and walls the color of wine. The Duchess has her own space: a ballroom with a chandelier, marbled floor, fake snow, and benches. In the final scenes, a jungle replaces these rooms, altering their symbolic meaning.

Monologue

There is very little action and dialogue...