Jesús Colón's Little Things Are Big: Reflective Essay

Where did Jesús Colón migrate from to New York City?

Jesús Colón wrote over 400 pieces in his lifetime.

What difficulties did the Puerto Ricans in this selection face?

What characteristic is mentioned as typical of Puerto Ricans in the text? Courtesy is a characteristic of the Puerto Rican.

What did Jesús Colón decide to do if faced with a similar situation in the future?

In the essay 'Little Things Are Big', what was the author's internal struggle when the white lady needed help at the subway station?

The author eventually decided to offer his help in the subway station.

What is the main theme discussed in the essay 'Little Things Are Big'?

About the Author

Jesús Colón was a Puerto Rican author born in 1901 in Cayey, Puerto Rico, and moved to New York City in 1918.
Colón wrote over 400 pieces in his lifetime, working for several papers in New York and Puerto Rico.

Background

Many Puerto Ricans, including Colón, migrated to New York City, with a significant influx in the late 1940s.
The selection takes place around 1956, highlighting the difficulties faced by Puerto Ricans in the United States.

Story Summary

The narrator encounters a white lady struggling to get off the subway at Atlantic Avenue station with two children and a baby on her arm.
A white man helps the lady, and the narrator is hesitant to offer help due to potential prejudices.
The narrator reflects on the internal struggle between his courtesy as a Puerto Rican and the fear of being rejected or misunderstood.
He decides not to offer help, regretting his decision and promising to himself to act differently in similar situations in the future.

Themes and Reflections

The story explores the impact of racism, prejudice, and chauvinism on human interactions and relationships.
The narrator's hesitation and regret highlight the importance of overcoming fear and taking action in situations where help is needed.
The story emphasizes the need for individual action to break down barriers and promote understanding and kindness.

This quiz is about Jesús Colón's reflective essay 'Little Things Are Big'. Colón was a Puerto Rican author who wrote about his experiences in New York City. The quiz covers his life, education, and writing.