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Provide an analysis of the excerpt of the memoir “Learning to Read” from The Autobiography of Malcolm X. This is not a summary; make sure that you offer an interpretation of the memoir and that you “read between the lines” in order to address each aspect of analysis:

  • Audience
  • Purpose
  • Content
  • Mood
  • Style
  • Structure

In addition to your main response, you must also post substantive responses to at least two of your classmates’ posts in this thread. Your response should include elements such as follow up questions, further exploration of topics from the initial post, or requests for further clarification or explanation on some points made by the classmates.

Comment 1

In the memoir, “Learning to Read” from The Autobiography of Malcolm X, the author El-Hajj Malik El- Shabazz, better known as Malcolm X, describes the way he used his time in prison as an experience of enlightenment by learning how to read, and becoming an astonishing writer. This memoir was intended for those lacking inspiration, specifically the black youth who can relate to Malcolm X and his struggles. The purpose of “Learning to Read” was to inform the readers about the hardships he faced, as well as to encourage and promote education. He wanted to show the reader that you can achieve anything you put your mind to, even when your under unfortunate circumstances. My first impression while reading this memoir was that it was immensely inspiring and motivating, because he wrote with so much passion. He narrated specific events throughout his learning journey such as the way he memorized the dictionary front to back, and the way he stayed up until three or four every morning just to continue reading. Malcolm X demonstrated the way he went from frustration out of not being able to read and write, to becoming one of the most influential writers today. He proved that when you take initiative and put your mind to it, you can achieve any goal.

Comment 2

From the excerpt “Learning to Read” Malcolm X was known as a powerful black leader who made his way up the ladder. Throughout the entire excerpt you were able to see the the growth that Malcolm X had gone through, starting out as someone who could not even explain himself, due to the lack of knowledge he had, he was able to learn through the power of reading. This excerpt was for the general public, anyone who wanted to know who Malcolm X was, those who wanted to see how he gained his knowledge, and possibly even learn from him. His purpose was to open up people’s minds, allowing them to not get discouraged and to push for what they are longing for, in Malcolm X’s case he wanted to gain more knowledge. He shows the audience that if you set your mind to something, you can achieve it. Not once did I feel that he wanted the audience who was reading to feel sorry for him, though he was in jail, he made the best out of it, and the mood that was set for this excerpt was that he wanted everyone to be happy for his accomplishment, and to possibly learn from him and try for whatever goal anyone is trying to reach. The authors structured this excerpt in a way to see Malcolm X’s growth, starting from the beginning his you see his struggles, but you seen him push through to achieve his long term goal which was to gain the knowledge that went far beyond eighth grade.