The Street Papers & Assignment Topics

Essay Topics/Writing Assignments

These 20 essay questions can be used as essay questions on a test, or as stand-alone essay topics for a take-home or in-class writing assignment. Students should have a full understanding of the text in order to answer these questions. They ask for a thorough analysis of the text.

1. The Street explores the dynamics of racism and sexism through main character Lutie Johnson. Lutie consistently expresses her frustration and hatred toward both systems of inequality. Toward the book's end, though, Lutie considers the idea that all of her troubles might not simply be manifestations of her race and gender. Maybe she is suffering so much because of poverty. Of these three debilitating systems--racism, sexism, and poverty--which, if any, do you think is most crippling for Lutie? Or do you believe they work together to cripple her? Provide examples from the text to support your answer.