The setting of this poem is established right in the title: Meanwhile, in New Orleans. Additionally, the poet uses numerous motifs to cue the time and place: local spirits, cemetery tours, Café du Monde. The poet seeks to capture the overall cultural energy of this place, portraying “holiday-loud living” (Line 11) and beaded revellers. The setting influences the speaker’s respectful yet unsettled attitude towards the spirits of the dead, and their humorous skepticism of a single un-haunted apartment.