Research the geography of Nigeria, focusing on the Niger River and its delta. How important is the river in the country's economy? What natural phenomenon creates the situations discussed in the play?

Read and research Ijaw folklore. Ijaw folklore is native to the area Clark grew up in and greatly influenced IDS writing. Relate The Raft to your findings.

Compare and contrast The Raft, its characters, and situations with the existentialist play by Samuel Beckett, Waiting for Godot (1952). How do the authors handle similar themes?

Many critics have argued that The Raft is an allegory that reflects the political situation in Nigeria at the time. Research the political situation and come up with your own interpretation of the play's symbols and meanings.