The Speaker
The speaker appears to be a member of the Harlem community, intimately acquainted with the cultural and social context of the funeral proceedings. As a witness, the speaker provides a voice through which the reader experiences the emotions and atmosphere of the event.
The speaker conveys a sense of empathy and understanding for the mourners and their circumstances, offering a lens through which the audience can appreciate the complexities of life and death in Harlem.
The speaker's perspective provides a bridge between the reader and the community, allowing the readers to connect with the themes of grief, resilience, and solidarity depicted in the poem.
The Deceased man
The poem refers to a young black man who has passed away. While the poem doesn't provide his name or specific details about him, he is the central figure in the poem. It can be inferred that he was a young African-American man whose untimely passing had a profound impact on those who knew him.
His death serves as a reflection of the hardships and struggles faced by many in Harlem during that era. His death also highlights the sense of unity and solidarity within the community as evidenced by the flowers sent by his friends and the emotional response of the mourners.
The Preacher
The preacher is portrayed as a figure of spiritual authority and leadership within the Harlem community. He's described as an "old preacher man" who conducts the funeral service, a role that carries a sense of solemnity and importance.
As the one who delivers the final prayers and sends off the deceased boy, the preacher embodies the religious and cultural traditions that provide solace and guidance to the community during times of grief.
The Insurance Man
The insurance man serves as a symbol of the economic struggles and disparities faced by the African-American community in Harlem during that era. The poem suggests that the insurance man did not pay his insurance premium which might have contributed to the financial difficulties surrounding the deceased boy's funeral.
Friends of the Deceased man
The friends represent a collective of individuals who deeply cared for and were connected to the young man who had passed away. These friends are the ones who send flowers to honor their departed companion, emphasizing the close-knit nature of the Harlem community and their shared grief.
Their act of sending flowers reflects their desire to pay their respects and express their love for their friend despite the financial hardships that surround the funeral.
The Deceased man's girlfriend
The deceased man's girlfriend's presence in the poem suggests a deep emotional connection to the young man who has passed away. Her significant role is indicated by the fact that she is the one who had to pay the preacher five dollars for conducting the funeral service, highlighting the financial burdens that often accompany such occasions. Her willingness to cover this expense underscores her commitment to honoring her boyfriend's memory.
