The central consciousness of the poem represents the soul of a Black man living in mid-20th century America. He is psychologically trapped inside a rigid, unfeeling exterior and forced to experience the world through severely limited senses. He desperately desires true connection and freedom but finds himself reduced to a burning, screaming entity permanently separated from physical sensation.

The physical vessel containing the speaker operates as a cold, metal enclosure. It functions like an unfeeling machine, forcing the speaker into passive erotic encounters and limiting his view of the outside world to small slits. It acts as an external force that objectifies and isolates the consciousness trapped inside it.

A younger, more trusting version of the speaker who conformed to the pressures of a prejudiced society. He trusted those around him and allowed his enemies to carry him as a dead man. The speaker views this former identity as blind to the dangers that ultimately caused his current fragmented state.

Figures representing the white American literary canon and the societal status quo. They derive ecstasy from collecting the flesh and souls of artists, demanding compliance and participation in their culture. They chant at the speaker's heels, actively working to corrupt his soul and enforce their standard of beauty.

A mysterious figure from the speaker's past. She runs away from the speaker into a forest, creating an eerie memory that continues to inflict psychological pain. Her sudden flight causes profound alienation and blocks his ability to connect with others.