Lexington, Kentucky

The postwar American South in the novel serves as a backdrop marked by entrenched segregation and social limitations that shape the characters’ lives and choices. Bud’s hometown, Lexington, Kentucky, represents both a place of origin and confinement: a site he repeatedly leaves in his restless pursuit of the Unicorn Woman. Lexington embodies the familiar yet restrictive environment Bud seeks to escape, reflecting the broader regional tensions of racial segregation and limited opportunity that push him into a world of dreams, travel, and elusive connections.

Memphis, Tennessee

Memphis is a setting in the novel that represents a form of escape for Bud, where Bud often visits in hopes of finding the Unicorn Woman at the carnival. It’s also the hometown of Gladys, who offers Bud a chance at genuine connection and intimacy. However, Bud consistently rejects this opportunity, choosing instead to pursue his elusive fantasy. Memphis...