Talk to the Music By Aran Bontemps

Question

There are two main settings in the story: 1) Where Norman hangs out and Mayme lives, and 2) where she works. How are the two places different?

Also, where does Mayme work? Given the details in the story, what kind of place does it seem to be? Who goes there? What is its mood and atmosphere?

Answer 1

The two primary locations in Arna Bontemps' Talk to the Music—where Norman hangs out and Mayme lives, and where Mayme works—are very different from one another, emphasizing differences in the surroundings, the atmosphere, and the social dynamics.

1. The location where Norman congregates and Mayme resides is characterized as a vibrant, unstructured space that is bustling with activity. It stands for the bustle and energy of daily life, where people congregate, engage, and lead intricately entwined lives. While Mayme sees it as a reflection of her own world, which is probably full of goals, challenges, and a sense of stability, Norman sees it as a place of comfort and familiarity.

2. Mayme's workplace: The story's details imply that Mayme works in a cabaret or club. This location is probably a jazz club, which is well-known for its music, shows, and lively atmosphere at night. For Mayme, the club serves as a professional setting where she assumes a role distinct from her personal life. Visitors are most likely members of the nightlife culture, including locals looking for entertainment, socialites, and jazz fans.

In contrast to the warmth and bustle of the neighborhood, the club's mood and atmosphere are described as more glamorous but also somewhat detached. As she satisfies the demands of her position in the club, Mayme may feel both empowered and separated from her actual self in this world of performance and appearances.

Intimacy and performance are where the differences lie. While the club is more polished, performative, and externally focused, the area where Norman congregates and Mayme resides feels genuine and intimate. These disparate areas draw attention to Mayme's life's duality of juggling her personal identity with her professional obligations.