How we cite our quotes: (Chapter. Paragraph)
Quote #4
I became increasingly frustrated at not being able to express what I wanted to convey in letters that I wrote, especially those to Mr. Elijah Muhammad. In the street, I had been the most articulate hustler out there—I had commanded attention when I said something. But now, trying to write simple English, I not only wasn't articulate, I wasn't even functional. How would I sound writing in slang, the way I would say it, something such as, "Look, daddy, let me pull your coat about a cat, Elijah Muhammad." (11.19)
Looks like Malcolm is having a bit of trouble with code switching. Code switching is when you swap one language for another depending on the context. While he's totally proficient in jive, Malcolm has a bit more trouble with Standard American English. Why does he want to write to Mr. Muhammad in Standard American English? Also, what do you think of the use of the word "standard" in these past few sentences?
Quote #5
Two other areas of experience which have been extremely formative in my life since prison were first opened to me in the Norfolk Prison Colony. For one thing, I had my first experiences in opening the eyes of my brainwashed black brethren to some truths about the black race. And, the other: when I had read enough to know something, I began to enter the Prison Colony's weekly debating program—my baptism into public speaking. (11.69)
Malcolm learned the skills that he would use later as an orator on his prison debate team. How is debate similar to speech making? How is it different?
Quote #6
Each family member, even children upon meeting each other for that new day's first time, greeted softly and pleasantly, "As-Salaam-Alaikum" (the Arabic for "Peace be unto you"). "Wa-Alaikum-Salaam" ("and unto you be peace") was the other's reply. Over and over again, the Muslim said in his own mind, "Allahu-Akbar, Allahu-Akbar" ("Allah is the greatest"). (12.15)
It may not seem like a big deal, but Malcolm is shocked by the way his brother's family speaks to one another. What effect do you think these kinds of greetings and the constant mantra of "God Is Great" may have on the person's thoughts?