Setting

here we discuss the setting of the story “Tales of Simple: Coffee Break” by Langston Hughes.

Time setting

The short story “Tales of Simple: Coffee Break” by Langston Hughes is set in the USA, sometimes during the 1960s, most likely contemporary with its publication date, 1965. This is indicated by references to the Civil Rights Bill (p. 131, l.7) which was passed in 1964, president J.F. Kennedy and several African-American activists and artists living during those times.

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Social and physical setting

Notice also that the author is focused on the social setting, and references to the physical setting such as the bar, the coffee break, and Harlem only contribute to making the readers better understand the social context.

For instance, Harlem is depicted as a dangerous place from the white boss’ perspective as “there is so much crime” (p. 131, l. 23) there.

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