I feel like I was able to get more of an understanding of the story told by Malcom X. I do not know if it is because of his clear and articulate writing style, or because I am most interested in the life he led. In the beginning he mentions a "homemade education" and that I can relate to because I admire those who are self taught. I aspire to one day teach myself to play the bass guitar, a challenge I have yet to complete. So, to see someone who wanted something so badly (although this is entirely different scenario), just teach themselves to read and write is very inspiring.
Malcom X had nothing but letters in prison at first, and decided he wanted to understand these letters more clearly, he had seen the ability of another prisoner and felt envious of that. He had tried to read, but was left confused. So from the first two paragraphs I was able to see the lack of skill, and understand what it was that he desired.
I can picture that struggle he must have had with himself. He felt like he had so much to say, so much to pass on to other African Americans, and so much to learn, yet did not have the skills to do so. If I was in that position in a prison, I would want to simply quit. "Id written words that I never knew were in the world", that sentence catches my attention and makes me feel a bit sad for the man who was to go on to become a civil rights activist.
He mentions that many people who would read his words, or hear him speak would have never known that he owed it entirely to his prison time and the amount he read and learned and understood from reading. "You couldn't have gotten me out of books with a wedge". He began to feel time passing much quicker, and he was allowed more books at a time. He read as often as he could. I like that because he didn't have to, he wanted to. Prison is a punishment and he took that punishment and made it the best and most rewarding experience he could. He learned to read and write, now that is a skill I could not imagine living without.
Very good work!
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