The Autobiography of Malcolm X

The Autobiography of Malcolm X Video Worksheet

This video is based on the book, The Autobiography of Malcolm X written by Alex Haley, author of Roots. The video is also narrated by Alex Haley!

1. When Malocom X spoke, what two feelings did he infuse in his audience?

2. Literature professor and author Marita Golden describes The Autobiography Of Malcolm X best as what type of writing?

3. Describe Malocolm’s very first memory.

4. Relate what happens to Malcolm’s parents and explain how this may have effected his views when he was older. 5. What is said by Malcolm’s English teacher that infuses change in him.

6. Why is it important for Malcolm to spend a lengthy amount of time in his autobiography describing his life and involvement with drugs in the ghettoes?

7. List 3 of the additional “Black Nationalistic” beliefs included with the orthodox Muslim beliefs.

8. While in jail, what kept Malocolm X out of trouble and focused on changing his life?

9. Why did Malcolm change his name to Malcolm X?

10. Was Malcolm X an active supporter of the Civil Rights Movement? Explain. 11. What did Malcolm X do after the assassination of John F. Kennedy?

12. After his pilgrimage to Mecca, Malcolm X shocked people by doing what?

13. How old was Malcolm X when he was assassinated? For Further Discussion: In cooperative groups, discuss and answer the following questions:

1. Discuss how the name changes Malcolm X makes reflects the changes in his life and attitude toward whites. (Malcolm Little – Malcolm X - El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz)

2. Discuss what it is about Malcolm X that makes him a leader in the Civil Rights Movement.

3. The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglas is an actual “slave narrative” since FD was, indeed, a slace and a narrative is the telling of a person’s “story”. Why, then, does Marita Golden describe The Autobiography of Malocom X a slave narrative also?

4. Review and discuss the collection of quotes by Malcolm X and about Maocolm X. Find one that strikes your cooperatve group as particularly “interesting” and prepare to relate the following to the rest of the class:  What does the quote mean?  How does the quote support Malcolm X’s philosophies?  What specifically about this quote do you think makes it “famous” and useful in inciting his followers movement?  Considering most of the quotes are from Malcolm X’s speech-skills that makes him a great speaker?