Down These Mean Streets

Piri says a couple of times that he really takes after his father. In what ways are Piri and his father similar? In what ways are they different? How might their similarities affect their psychologies and how they interact with one another? Write an essay about the book’s father-son relationship.

Piri has some important women in his life: his mother, Trina, Dulcien, other girlfriends, Mrs. Washington, Alayce, and his aunt. How does Piri treat these various women? Why does he treat some women so poorly and others so well? What purposes to the various women serve in Piri’s life? Write an essay about Piri’s treatment of women.

Piri describes a homosexual encounter in Chapter 6 and gives his opinions of prison homosexuality in Chapter 28.What are Piri’s views on homosexuality? Are his views consistent? Why is he so critical of the “marriage” of Claude and Big Jules? Write an essay detailing Piri’s psychological stance towards homosexuality.

In Chapter 18, the reader is exposed to Gerald’s view on race.Why is so much space given over to Gerald’s thoughts? Why does Brew hate Gerald so much? Why is Piri so ambivalent towards Gerald? Write an essay about how the character of Gerald functions in the novel.

Piri very frequently talks about “heart” and how important it is. Yet, “heart” means different things at different times. Write an essay in which you take multiple references to “heart” and break down the meanings and connotations of these separate references to “heart” within their contexts.

Piri often speaks of the importance of defending one’s “rep.” Why is “rep” so important to Piri? What are some instances of Piri defending his “rep”? How does Piri’s regard for “rep” change as he ages and experiences prison life? Write an essay about Piri’s relationship to “rep”.

Piri spends over five years in prison. How does Piri change over the course of his incarceration, intellectually, spiritually, and psychologically?

Piri spends a large portion of the book trying to come to terms with the color of his skin.At what point does he become somewhat content with his skin color? What led him to this contentment?Who are the pivotal figures in his life that allowed him to reach it? Write an essay about Piri’s journey towards racial self-acceptance.