My favorite part of "Thank You Ma'am"

What do you think is the most important part of a story? In the story "Thank You Ma'am", the setting is the most important part to me. Knowing how, when and where the story takes place makes you feel as if you were there.

First of all, "Thank You Ma'am" begins on a dark and quiet, 1930-50's Harlem street. Luella Bates walked down the street and Roger ran up behind her without her knowing. He was attempting to steal the purse she was carrying but Luella Bates wasn't having that. After putting up a fight and talking to Roger, Luella Bates invited him to her apartment.

Secondly, the apartment of Luella Bates was small and loud. As Roger sat there, he could hear other roomers laughing and talking. The size of the apartment helped Luella Bates and Roger relate more.

Lastly, the neighborhood in which the story takes place is important. When you hear "low-income" you may believe that the people who live there don't have much to offer or gain. Instead of going to the police or neglecting Roger, Luella Bates did the opposite and treated him like her own. Even with the little she had, Luella Bates gave Roger food, cleaned him up and talked to him about both his life and hers.

As you can see, each setting of "Thank You Ma'am" really allowed me to realize what the story was about and visualize it. It felt as if I were seeing the story with my own eyes. When you're reading a story do you have the same reaction?