Each piece– We Real Cool, The Weary Blues, and Across 110th Street– depicts a different side of Harlem that all shares the same setting, the streets. Across 110th Street almost seems like a summary of all the pieces, as it discusses the various interactions in Harlem and their meaning. Many interactions are somewhat criminal, as he discusses pimps and drug pushers. It also depicts Harlem as a tough area filled with many challenges. For example when he says “you don’t know what you’ll do until you’re put under pressure.  Across 110th Street is a hell of a tester” he shows that Harlem is a place that many face pressures and have to act accordingly. These lyrics are paired with an upbeat and spirited tune, perhaps depicting that Harlem may be tough but it is a magical place that is a home to many people. This song captures the physical space of Harlem through its lyrical meaning and musical undertones.

          The poem We Real Cool also captures the street in Harlem, but in a more specific way than in Across 110th Street. We Real Cool discusses the life of young men on the streets. After dropping out of school these seven young men are now pool players who operate on the streets, “We Lurk late. We Strike straight.” It also discusses how the life of the streets is short-lived as the author states “We Jazz June. We Die soon.” Brooks in this poem, similar to Womack in his song, depicts the physical streets of Harlem and the people who occupy it, representing the streets of Harlem. 

          Lastly, Hughes’ The Weary Blues depicts the music of the streets, another way to capture the physical space of Harlem that is different, yet similar, to the depiction in Womack’s song and Brooks’ poem. According to Hughes, the music of Harlem is one that is spiritual, sad and desolate, as well as neverending. This can be seen through Hughes’ word choices of “Coming from a black man’s soul. O Blues!”, “He played that sad raggy tune like a musical fool”, and “The singer stopped playing and went to bed While the Weary Blues echoed through his head.” Perhaps this is symbolic of the streets of Harlem which can be spiritual, sad and raggy, as well as neverending. All three artists capture the physical space of Harlem and perhaps the black experience in Manhattan.