At the Bottom of the River

There are two “songs” that are presented in the text in italics, one sung by her father (66) and one by the school chorus (74). Research where these come from. How do they thematically impact the story?

Much of Jamaica Kincaid’s work has been placed in the genre of magical realism. What aspects of this story fit that genre, and how do her roots in the Caribbean influence this designation?

How does the narrator’s relationship with her mother impact the events of the story and the narrator’s perspective? Explore whether their relationship is negative, beneficial, or problematic. How does this relate to other stories in At the Bottom of the River?

“At the Bottom of the River” has often been described as a prose poem. What qualities of the text (tone, mood, diction) lend themselves to this analysis?

Read Jamaica Kincaid’s short story “Girl,” also found in this collection. How do “Girl” and “At the Bottom of the River,” thematically complement each other? What different literary strategies does Kincaid employ in each?

What is the significance of the woman at the bottom of the river? Consider her physical description, her actions, and what she represents to the narrator and the text itself.

What thematic role does nature play in the text? Discuss and analyze its appearance in the text and what role it plays in the narrator’s development.

Some critics consider this text to be in the bildungsroman genre. Do you agree or disagree? How does it fit into this genre, and where does it deviate?