As with so many things, Wu-Tang says it best: "cash rules everything around me." In fact, you might as well consider that the unofficial subtitle of A Small Place. The small island of Antigua is home to some of richest and some of the poorest people in the world, leading to quite a few problems. Want to get rich? Well, you better sell drugs or hook up with corrupt officials (or both). Not into that? Just start an elaborate scam instead. A Small Place shows us the consequences of a soaring wealth disparity, rampant corruption, and general shadiness.
Questions About Wealth
- What does the rise of Barclays Bank say about the economic system of Antigua?
- In what ways are Antiguans prevented from building wealth?
- How do government officials line their own pockets?
- Do you agree with Kincaid's views on capitalism? Why or why not?
Chew on This
In A Small Place, we're shown the negative consequences of wealth being concentrated in the hands of the few.
Although Kincaid has nothing against people from other countries, she does have something against those who wield their wealth like weapons.