Poverty and economic exploitation, fueled by racist social structures, is a key theme in “Like A Winding Sheet.” Dire economic conditions form the backdrop of the story’s heightened tension, as Johnson’s emotional changes throughout the story are all rooted in the exploitative conditions that he must navigate.

As a Black man in the 1940s, Johnson is unprotected by labor laws or fair workplace standards. As a result, he is in constant pain from an unsustainable sleep schedule and physical exertion within the factory: “He had to force himself to struggle past the out-going workers, punch the time clock, and get the little cart he pushed around all night […]” (Paragraph 22). The white upper classes often managed and owned factories during this time, and bosses were able to exploit Black workers who had little economic power. This period of time followed the Harlem Renaissance, which saw a growth in Black cultural influence. Riding on the coattails of this established success in Harlem, many Black individuals were pushed into poverty and poor conditions (Collier A. “Quick History of Harlem.” Harlem America).  

Poverty and economic exploitation are further elucidated as Johnson continues to navigate the city during and after work.