In The Conjure Man Dies by Rudolph Fisher, what do the outside scenes of Frimbo's chambers add to the story?

The majority of the story in "The Conjure Man Dies" takes place inside the front room of the main character's apartment, where he conducts readings for his metaphysical clients. When Frimbo is allegedly murdered, each one of the visitors to his apartment is questioned, which leads to them retelling a memory of their lives that helps explain why they went to see Frimbo.

Each outside memory not only adds depth to the character being questioned...

The majority of the story in "The Conjure Man Dies" takes place inside the front room of the main character's apartment, where he conducts readings for his metaphysical clients. When Frimbo is allegedly murdered, each one of the visitors to his apartment is questioned, which leads to them retelling a memory of their lives that helps explain why they went to see Frimbo.

Each outside memory not only adds depth to the character being questioned but provides an opportunity for the author to describe the many different lifestyles that converged in 1930s Harlem. Rudolph Fisher paints a vivid image of Harlem culture during this time and provides keen insights into each character's personality and struggles.

One example of a powerful outside scene in this story is when Mrs. Snead, a married woman who sought Frimbo's help to stop her husband's alcoholic ways, describes her difficult life. Easley Jones is another suspect whose exploits as a traveling Pullman car worker are used to show the duality in Harlem between hard work and play. Each of these scenes helps flesh out the cast of suspects and create a strong setting for the narrative.