The Autobiography of Malcolm X Literary Elements

Autobiography

The action described in the autobiography begins roughly in 1925 and lasts until 1965 when Malcolm was killed. The events describes take place in different locations all over the territory of the USA, in Harlem, New York, Detroit and other important cities.

The autobiography was the collective result of Alex Haley and Malcolm’s efforts and while the autobiography was written and edited by Alex Haley, it was based on numerous interviews with Malcolm X and thus the autobiography is told from Malcolm’s point of view and presents a subjective perspective.

Tragic, resentful, hateful

The protagonist is Malcolm X and the antagonist is Elijah Muhammad.

The major conflict is between Malcolm and Elijah and is presented as being the result of Elijah’s jealousy.

The story reaches its climax when Malcolm decides to leave the Nation of Islam.

The fire in chapter two foreshadows Malcolm’s father’s death not long after the fire took place.

Malcolm thinks that the rumors he hears about Elijah wanting to murder him are just rumors and nothing more. This proves to be an understatement because Elijah not only planned to kill Malcolm but he also spoke with different people who would be willing to do it.

The autobiography also makes allusions towards different types of racism that existed in America during those times. Because of the social and political context, many were scared of foreigners and those who were different from them. The Japanese people and those who were believed to be Communists were also discriminated against and had to suffer because they lived in a paranoid society.

The image Malcolm has about Harlem is extremely important because Harlem is seen as a place where racism is perpetuated year after year and group after group. What Malcolm notes is that Harlem was used as a home by other oppressed groups as well as the Italians and Jews for example. Because of this, Harlem becomes a synonym for racism and it becomes a visual representation of racism.

Malcolm is considered in the autobiography as being a paradox because of the mix messages he receives as a child. While he is encouraged to study, he is also reminded that he will never be allowed to hold position above whites and that he should chose a suitable position for him and become a carpenter. This happens again when Malcolm thinks about inter-racial relationships. While those around him encourage him to talk with white girls, Malcolm is aware of the fact that if he were to begin a relationship with a white girl, his life could be in danger.

A parallel can be drawn between Malcolm and his father in the sense that their lives are very similar. They both suffer a violent death caused by people who oppose them because of their ideas and they both become infamous for their ideas and beliefs.

When Malcolm chose the name "X", he wanted it to have a metonymical sense. The reason why he chose that particular name is to represent the ‘’black’’ names that were lost through slavery and also an attempt at getting them back and recovering their individuality.

"My shine rag popped with the rhythm of those great bands rocking the ballroom. White customers on the shine stand, especially, would laugh to see my feet suddenly break loose on their own and cut a few steps. Whites are correct in thinking that black people are natural dancers."