Symbolism In The Autobiography Of Malcolm X

Reading stimulates your mind, reduces stress, expands your vocabulary, and also gives you knowledge. Books are literary works that can inspire change, not only personally but also socially and politically. The Autobiography of Malcolm X is an example of one of those books that sparked a movement. The Black Arts Movement allowed black people to create their own literature and art and it was triggered by the assassination of Malcolm X. His book was read widely and it influenced their movement and views on racial issues at that time. Part of the reason why this book was so influential is the literary devices and it uses. The Autobiography of Malcolm X utilizes tone, symbolism, and metaphors to better connect with the audience and get his point …show more content…
By contrasting his view of one thing from before the Nation of Islam to after Malcolm shows his change mentally since joining the Nation. In Chapter 3 Malcolm gets his first conk and vows to never be without one again (X 56). This is a sharp contrast to Chapter 14 where he says that, "It grieves me … [to] see this symbol of ignorance and self-hate on so many Negros' heads" (X 264). By showing his drastic change of thinking since joining the Nation Malcolm shows how much he has changed because of this religion. It shows how he began to better understand the brainwashing that white people are superior and self-hate that comes with that that black people have had to deal …show more content…
Malcolm's view on conks throughout the book showed his mental changes by using symbolism the readers can more clearly pick up on that. The use of illustrations through metaphors allowed for a deeper understanding of the complex concepts that Malcolm relates in his book. Malcolm was able to be a world renowned speaker and helped create this book even though he never went to college or even finished high school. Secular education is not as important as having a will and drive to learn and the materials available to do