Author Background
Where was he born?
Omaha, Nebraska
rehabilitation
the process of restoring to a state of usefulness or constructiveness
inmate
prisoner
Charlestown Prison
Where did Malcom spend most of his time reading?
In his room.
What year was he assassinated?
1965
inevitable
unable to be avoided, evaded, or escaped.
corridor
hallway; walkway
Who was Bambi?
Another inmate.
Why did Malcom only get 3-4 hours of sleep every night?
Because he would stay up until 3/4 reading.
What US Movement was he a prominent figure of?
The Civil Rights Movement.
the college that one has attended
ragged
battered, disorganized
What did Malcom refer to as a "miniature encyclopedia"?
the dictionary
According to the text, what were Malcom's favorite things to do with his time?
1 Battle the white man.
2 Read a book.
Why is his last name X?
A rejection of the name he inherited by his ancestor's slavers.
vistas
emulate
imitate
When asked "What's your alma matter?" what did Malcom X respond with?
"Books."
What book is this essay an excerpt from?
The Autobiography of Malcom X
How was he compared to Martin Luther King Jr. ?
By having a more radical stance in opposition to white aggression, urging Black Americans to protect themselves "by any means necessary."
aardvark
a long-tailed, long-eared, burrowing African mammal who lives off termites
confers
bestows
He would move to the floor of his room to catch the faint glow of the light in the corridor.
What is the main point Malcom X is making with this essay?
That enlightening oneself with knowledge can be the most freeing and powerful feeling, even in bad circumstances.