What I Have Been Doing Lately by Jamaica Kincaid – A Deep Dive
The short story “What I Have Been Doing Lately” feels like a quiet confession that spills over a whole afternoon. In just a handful of pages she takes us through a day in the life of a woman who has been “doing” more than the surface of her routine would suggest. Jamaica Kincaid, the Antiguan‑American writer known for her razor‑sharp prose and intimate portraits of Caribbean life, turns the page to a personal narrative that is both specific and universal. It’s a masterclass in showing, not telling, and it offers readers a map for turning their own ordinary moments into something worth writing about.
What Is “What I Have Been Doing Lately”?
At first glance, the title might sound like a list of chores or a diary entry. But Kincaid’s piece is far more layered. The narrator—likely a stand‑in for Kincaid herself—spends the morning in her kitchen, watching the steam rise from a pot, listening to a radio show, and contemplating her own past. Now, it’s an exercise in self‑observation, a meditation on the subtle ways we shape our identities through everyday acts. The story is a slice of life that turns the mundane into a mirror Easy to understand, harder to ignore. And it works..
The Setting as a Character
Kincaid never just says “I was in the kitchen.The setting is almost a character, a silent partner in the narrator’s introspection. ” She paints it: the light filtering through the blinds, the faint smell of tobacco and coffee, the hum of the refrigerator. By anchoring the narrative in a specific, sensory space, she invites us to feel the weight of each action.
The Narrative Voice
The voice is conversational yet reflective. That's why it feels like a whispered conversation between the narrator and an unseen friend. That intimacy is key: it lets us slip into the narrator’s head without feeling like we’re eavesdropping on a private diary.
Why It Matters / Why People Care
You might ask, “Why should I care about a woman in a kitchen in Antigua?” The answer lies in the universality of the act of ‘doing.’ We all have days where we think we’re just going through the motions, but the way we approach those motions can reveal deeper truths about ourselves Simple, but easy to overlook..
The Power of Small Moments
Kincaid shows us that “doing” isn’t just about big achievements. It’s about the way we engage with the world—how we pause, how we notice, how we connect. In a world that prizes hustle, this narrative reminds us that quiet can be powerful It's one of those things that adds up. Worth knowing..
A Mirror for Readers
When the narrator reflects on her childhood, the story becomes more than a slice of life; it becomes a mirror. Day to day, readers see their own pasts reflected in the narrator’s memories, and they’re prompted to ask: *What have I been doing lately? * The story invites self‑awareness without preaching Worth keeping that in mind..
How It Works (or How to Read It)
Reading Kincaid’s piece is like taking a slow walk through a garden. You notice each flower, each leaf, each stone. The narrative structure is deliberately simple, but the layers of meaning are deep Nothing fancy..
### The Opening: Setting the Stage
The first paragraph sets the tone. The narrator describes the kitchen, the radio, the steam. This isn’t just a backdrop; it’s the first hint that the story will be about process rather than plot. If you’re reading it for the first time, pay attention to how Kincaid uses everyday details to build a sense of place.
### The Middle: Interweaving Past and Present
In the middle, the narrator’s thoughts drift back to childhood. She recalls a specific memory—perhaps a conversation with a mother or a moment of quiet in the house. These flashbacks are not just nostalgic; they’re a way of connecting the present to the past. The narrative jumps between now and then in a fluid, almost dreamlike way It's one of those things that adds up..
### The End: A Quiet Resolution
The story doesn’t finish with a dramatic punchline. And the final paragraph leaves the reader with a sense of completion, but also an open question: *What will I do next? Practically speaking, instead, it ends on a quiet note—a subtle shift in the narrator’s awareness. * The ending is a reminder that the act of “doing” is ongoing.
Common Mistakes / What Most People Get Wrong
When people first read “What I Have Been Doing Lately,” they often miss its deeper layers. Here are a few pitfalls and how to avoid them.
1. Treating It as a Simple Diary
Some readers skim for a list of chores. This leads to the story is not a checklist. It’s a meditation on the act of doing itself. If you’re looking for a recipe, you’re out of place.
2. Over‑Analyzing Every Detail
Kincaid’s prose is dense with imagery, but not every image is a metaphor. Don’t read the steam as a symbol of something hidden. Sometimes it’s just steam. The beauty lies in the balance.
3. Ignoring the Cultural Context
The story is rooted in Antiguan culture. The radio shows, the food, the family dynamics—all reflect a specific cultural backdrop. Without that context, you might miss why certain details feel significant.
Practical Tips / What Actually Works
If you’re inspired to write a piece like Kincaid’s, here are some actionable steps:
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Start with a Place. Anchor your narrative in a specific, sensory setting. Describe light, sound, smell. Let it become a character And it works..
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Let Time Blur. Switch between present and past fluidly. Use the same sentence structure for both to create a seamless flow.
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Focus on the Process. Show what you’re doing, how you’re doing it, and why it matters. Avoid summarizing; let readers infer Worth keeping that in mind. Nothing fancy..
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Keep It Short. Kincaid’s story is concise. Don’t let yourself get lost in extraneous details. Every sentence should push the narrative forward But it adds up..
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End with a Question. Finish on a note that invites reflection, not closure. Leave your readers pondering their own “doing.”
FAQ
Q: Is “What I Have Been Doing Lately” autobiographical?
A: It’s a blend of personal memory and fiction. Kincaid often blurs the line, so while it feels autobiographical, it’s ultimately a crafted narrative.
Q: How does the radio show fit into the story?
A: It serves as a cultural anchor and a backdrop for the narrator’s thoughts. It’s also a subtle reminder of the outside world intruding into the domestic sphere.
Q: Can I use this story as a writing prompt?
A: Absolutely. Try writing a scene in your own kitchen, focusing on sensory details and a flashback that ties into your current “doing.”
Q: Why does Kincaid use so many commas?
A: The commas slow the reader, mirroring the narrator’s contemplative pace. It’s a stylistic choice that enhances the reflective mood Worth keeping that in mind. Surprisingly effective..
Closing
Jamaica Kincaid’s “What I Have Been Doing Lately” is a quiet celebration of the ordinary. It reminds us that the act of doing—whether cooking, listening, or simply breathing—can be a powerful narrative in itself. By paying attention to the small moments, we uncover stories that resonate far beyond our own kitchens. And that, in the end, is what makes the piece a timeless invitation to look deeper at the life we’re living.
