Down These Mean Streets - Themes and Identity Quiz

In Piri Thomas' book, what does the quote "If you ain't got heart, you ain't got nada" mean?

Question Answer Choices If you didn't follow the rules, you wouldn't be respected. If you didn’t stick with your people and defend yourself, you weren’t a true man. If you didn't have courage, you couldn't achieve anything in life. If you didn't show compassion to others, you weren't considered a good person.

What does Piri Thomas urge his brother José to accept about their racial identity in "Brothers under the Skin"?

Question Answer Choices That he is of mixed heritage and should embrace both his Black and white ancestry. That he is not a 'Negro' and their family should distance themselves from Black Americans. That he is a 'Negro' but their family should identify more with white Americans. That he is a 'Negro' and their family has more in common with non-Puerto Rican Black Americans than with white people.

How did prison help Piri Thomas change in 'Down These Mean Streets'?

Question Answer Choices Prison reinforced his negative behaviors and disconnected him from his cultural roots. Prison isolated him from others, making him lose interest in learning. Prison made him more resentful and increased his anger towards society. Prison helped him learn self-control, develop curiosity about different cultures and religions, and focus on education.

How did Piri Thomas's view of his own identity change during his time in prison in 'Down These Mean Streets'?

Question Answer Choices He focused exclusively on his past mistakes without looking forward. He began to identify only with his anger and resentment. He started to see himself solely as a victim of society. He began to define himself in terms that transcend racial identity and economic reality.

How does Piri Thomas's relationship with his father affect him in Down These Mean Streets?

Question Answer Choices Piri feels that his father admires his light skin, which causes Piri to feel superior. Piri feels that his father encourages him to embrace his dark skin, which strengthens their relationship. Piri feels that his father ignores him because he is too busy with work, which makes Piri feel neglected. Piri feels that his father looks down upon him because of his dark skin, which strains their relationship.

What did Piri Thomas learn from his friendship with Muhammad in 'Down These Mean Streets'?

Question Answer Choices He learned advanced fighting techniques for self-defense. He learned about different religious traditions and how change from within is affected by one’s daily practices. He learned how to escape from prison using clever tactics. He learned how to manipulate others to gain power within the prison.

Where does Piri Thomas grow up in Down These Mean Streets?

Question Answer Choices In the Dominican community of New York, in Washington Heights. In the Puerto Rican community of New York, in Spanish Harlem. In the Cuban community of Miami, in Little Havana. In the Mexican community of Los Angeles, in East LA.

Who does Piri express solidarity with due to their similar dark skin in "Brothers under the Skin"?

Question Answer Choices His father. A white American friend. His brother José. His African American friend Brew.

What was a significant challenge Piri Thomas faced in his life?

Question Answer Choices Struggling to find a job in a booming economy. Living in a wealthy neighborhood with little crime. Having too many friends and not enough time. Being a dark skinned Puerto Rican during a time when racism was strong.

What are the main themes in Down These Mean Streets by Piri Thomas?

Question Answer Choices Friendship, love, adventure, and heroism. Family, loyalty, tradition, and honor. Wealth, power, success, and happiness. Racism, poverty, gang membership, and drug abuse.