Autobiography. An autobiography is the story of a person’s life, written by that person. It differs from a biography, which is the story of a person’s life, told by another person. As you read this selection, think about what you as the reader learn from an autobiography that you wouldn’t learn from a biography.
Aim. A writer’s aim is his or her purpose, or goal, in writing a particular work. People may write with one or more of the following aims: to inform (informative writing); to tell a story, either true or invented, about an event or sequence of events (narrative writing); to persuade readers or listeners to respond in some way (persuasive writing); to express thoughts or emotions (expressive writing); to share a perspective by using an artistic medium, such as fiction or poetry, to entertain, enrich, or enlighten (imaginative writing). As you read, think about what goals and objectives Malcolm X had as he wrote this part of his autobiography. Use the graphic organizer on the right to organize your thoughts on aim.
|
- History Connection. Malcolm X was a leader in the Black Muslim religious movement who attracted many followers with his speeches and writings. The Black Muslim movement, also known as Nation of Islam, was established in the United States in the early 1930s by Fard Muhammad. The key principle that separated Black Muslims from Orthodox, or traditional, Muslims was a belief in separation of the black and white races. After the disappearance in 1934 of Fard Muhammad, Elijah Muhammad further developed the movement, which had gained popularity by the end of World War II.
- Malcolm X, born Malcolm Little, adopted the Black Muslim faith in 1946 while serving a prison sentence for burglary. As part of his conversion, he changed his name to Malcolm X. After his release in 1952, he became a leading spokesperson for the Black Muslim movement, delivering messages on topics such as economic self-sufficiency and black nationalism that inspired many African Americans. In 1964, Malcolm X had a disagreement with Elijah Muhammad and left the movement. He formed a rival group called the Organization of African-American Unity (OAAU) and began to modify his ideas about black separatism to consider the idea of creating one human race. On February 21, 1965, Malcolm X was assassinated by three men, including two Black Muslims.
List an example from the selection that illustrates each of the aims you think Malcolm X pursued in writing this work. Use the chart below as a model.
What do you remember about learning to read?
|
