Summary Malcolm, X. Learning To Read. 1965. 5. Malcolm X recalls his time in prison.

He talks about how he was the most eloquent street speaker, but was unable to write a simple letter. He wanted to write letters to Elijah Muhammad. In order to do so he taught himself how to read using a dictionary, tablets, and pencils. Malcolm X went through the entire dictionary and read through a plethora of books while he was incarcerated. He learned of the tragedy that slaves went through at the hands of white slave owners. This is what motivates him to join Muhammad.

Analysis 1/9/13

Malcolm X used his surrounding sources to help him learn to read. They included the prison library, a dictionary, pamphlets, tablets, and pencils. He was fortunate to be in a rehabilitation center one that rewarded those who used their resources. The institution he was in gave him the opportunity to learn to read. An opportunity that he would not have had he not been there. Towards the end of his biography I became confused. I thought that he was speaking about his learning process and the success he had. However, he began to rant about his beliefs on the treatment of the slaves. Malcolm X began drifting from his literacy experience to focusing more on the goals he had after he learned to read. I didnt find myself relating to his story as I read. However, I can understand the how difficult it may be to read for some. It is important to never give up on your goal, in this case learning to read.