A Small Place

How does colonialism and slavery continue to influence life in Antigua through its physical architecture and social structures? Why does Kincaid believe it’s harder for Antiguans to move on from slavery than it is for the British? Use the text to support your answer.

How does Antigua’s “unreal” (78) beauty affect the perspectives both of local Antiguans and white tourists? Use the text to support your answer.

What does the derelict library symbolize in the text? What are Kincaid’s complicated feelings toward this institution? Why does she feel differently about this colonial building compared to others? Use the text to support your answer.

What are the main facets of a tourist identity as Kincaid describes it? How does the tourist perpetuate colonialist exploitation on Antigua? Use the text to support your answer.

How does being from “a small place” (80) affect the Antiguan people’s perspective on time and their experiences of events? Why does Kincaid believe that the island’s size contributes to the continuance of government corruption? Use the text to support your answer.

What are Kincaid’s main examples of government corruption that operate in plain sight? How does she connect these practices to the legacy of colonialism? Use the text to support your answer.

What stylistic features does Kincaid employ to express her anger at England for the destruction their empire wrought? How do these structural features help emphasize her argument? Use the text to support your answer.

What is the Mill Reef Club and what is its function in Antigua? Why does Kincaid feel she has no power to tell patrons of this club her true feelings about their relationship with Antigua? Use the text to support your answer.