Down These Mean Streets - Chapters 14–19 Quiz

What causes the fight between Piri and his brother José?

Question Answer Choices Piri believes José thinks they are white, which angers him. José refuses to lend Piri money for his trip. José disapproves of Piri's decision to join the National Maritime Union. Piri accuses José of stealing his belongings.

What does Piri do after sleeping with a white girl in Texas?

Question Answer Choices He proposes to her. He leaves without saying anything. He tells her she just had sex with a black man and runs away. He asks her to run away with him.

What does Gerald hope to achieve with his book?

Question Answer Choices To criticize the government. To become a famous author. To unite the black community and make peace between the races. To document the history of his family.

What does Piri's father, Poppa, admit to feeling while growing up with dark skin?

Question Answer Choices He felt the need to play different roles in front of different groups of people. He felt proud and never faced any issues. He felt completely accepted by everyone. He felt the need to hide his identity entirely.

What does Piri's father reveal about his own father's intentions with his name?

Question Answer Choices His father named him John Thomas after a famous writer. His father named him John Thomas to seem more 'American.' His father named him John Thomas after a family friend. His father named him John Thomas to honor a war hero.

Why does Brew slap Alayce during their conversation about the South?

Question Answer Choices Because she insulted his family. Because she refused to go with them on the trip. Because she disagreed with visiting the South. Because she doesn't realize that dark skin is dark skin.

What job do Piri and Brew get on the James Clifford?

Question Answer Choices Deckhands. Cooks. Engineers. Mess boys.

What does Piri realize about his racial identity while traveling to different countries?

Question Answer Choices He is seen as white everywhere he goes. He is seen as black everywhere he goes. He is seen as a foreigner everywhere he goes. He is seen as Puerto Rican everywhere he goes.

What does Piri do after being denied service at a restaurant in Alabama?

Question Answer Choices He becomes furious. He reports the incident to the police. He leaves without saying anything. He tries to argue with the staff.

Why does Piri want to visit the South?

Question Answer Choices To explore different cultures and traditions. To find a new job and start a career. To learn more about black men and understand his racial identity. To visit his extended family and reconnect with them.