* "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald: Helen of Troy served as an allegorical symbol of romantic longing and tragic consequences. In "Helen on Eighty Sixth Street," the Helen may represent a desire gone astray, a pursuit that leads to disappointment or self-destructive tendencies.
* "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey" by Homer: The ancient Greek epics are frequently referenced in contemporary works, and "Helen on Eighty Sixth Street" could imply an allusion to Helen of Troy's beauty, which caused the Trojan War. The story serves as a cautionary tale about the disastrous consequences of unchecked desire.
* The real Helen on West Eighty-Sixth Street: An actual person named Helen likely resided on West Eighty-Sixth Street in the real world. Perhaps the artwork depicts a real-life encounter or observation, capturing a moment of significance for the person who observed it.
* The artist's personal narrative: The artist who created "Helen on Eighty Sixth Street" may be revealing a personal story, a specific memory or experience that involves someone named Helen or the location referred to. The artwork serves as a visual representation of that narrative.
* New York City as a setting: The mention of a specific location, Eighty-Sixth Street, grounds the artwork into a specific geographical context, evoking associations with New York City, its bustling atmosphere, diverse population, and vibrant cultural scene.