"The Autobiography of Malcolm X"

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses "The Autobiography of Malcolm X", which tells the story of one of the most influential black leaders of the 1960s, Malcolm X, born in Omaha, Nebraska as Malcolm Little. It looks at how the book shows Malcolm X as a real man, with flaws, dreams, and hopes for the future. It also discusses how the book shows that Malcolm X truly hated "white devils," and how it is easy to see why so many people were frightened of him and his messages.

From the Paper:

"Haley's and Malcolm X's thesis for writing this book is quite simple. Haley wanted to share Malcolm's life in largely his own words, so blacks and whites would understand a little more about this man who made such a difference in many people's lives, and inspired fear and misunderstanding in so many whites. In Haley's Epilogue to Malcolm's story, he writes of trying to convince Malcolm to tell his story. Finally, Malcolm agrees. Haley writes, "He said, 'I agree. I think my life story may help people to appreciate better how Mr. Muhammad salvages black people. But I don't want my motives for this misinterpreted by anybody - the Nation of Islam must get every penny that might come to me'" (Haley 386). Clearly, this is the thesis of this work, and this represents the popularity of the work, as well. First published in 1965, it is still popular and studied today, indicating just how far-reaching Malcolm X's life truly was."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Haley, Alex. The Autobiography of Malcolm X as Told to Alex Haley. New York: Grove Press, 1990.

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