The Autobiography of Malcolm X, as told to Alex Haley
AP Language/Composition Envelope Threads
Created by Yvette Pittman
Consider the following topic as you read, and locate passages that deal with this
topic and write them onto index cards for each assigned section. Write legibly as
these will be shared and used in a number of ways. Along with the passage
(carefully quoted), include your name, the chapter and page numbers, and the date
you recorded it.
Envelope #1 Topic: Transformations with Malcolm X
Track the ways in which Malcolm changes in appearance, nature and/or
character throughout the text. How does travel facilitate/accompany his
transformations( for example, when Malcolm moves to Boston, what
transformations occur)? What are positive and negative changes?
Consider the following topic as you read, and locate passages that deal with this
topic and write them onto index cards for each assigned section. Write legibly as
these will be shared and used in a number of ways. Along with the passage
(carefully quoted), include your name, the chapter and page numbers, and the date
you recorded it.
Envelope #2 Topic: Identity
Malcolm struggles with his identity or who he is or who is supposed to be.
Consider stereotypes of black people/culture that are shattered as well as some that
are reinforced. Pay attention to how identity is found for individuals and for the
community. What elements create identity: language (“chicks as fine as May wine,”
“Hill Negroes”) residence/hometown, hair, skin color, job title, religion, etc)
Consider the following topic as you read, and locate passages that deal with this
topic and write them onto index cards for each assigned section. Write legibly as
these will be shared and used in a number of ways. Along with the passage
(carefully quoted), include your name, the chapter and page numbers, and the date
you recorded it.
Envelope #3 Topic: Symbols
Symbols represent abstract ideas. What symbols are present throughout the novel?
What do the symbols represent? Are there any symbols that undergo
transformations in terms of what they represent? (hair, skin color, specific items)
Think about instances of this throughout the novel as you read.
__________________________________________________________________
Consider the following topic as you read, and locate passages that deal with this
topic and write them onto index cards for each assigned section. Write legibly as
these will be shared and used in a number of ways. Along with the passage
(carefully quoted), include your name, the chapter and page numbers, and the date
you recorded it.
Envelope #4 Topic: Effects (Perceived and Actual) of Racism on the Community
and America
Racism obviously affects the black race in this autobiography and America as a
whole. Identify key moments of racist activity. More importantly, examine how
people attempt to fight/confront racism (i.e. Earl Little, Garvey, Elijah Muhammad,
Black Nationalists, Civil Rights Movement Activists)
__________________________________________________________________
Consider the following topic as you read, and locate passages that deal with this
topic and write them onto index cards for each assigned section. Write legibly as
these will be shared and used in a number of ways. Along with the passage
(carefully quoted), include your name, the chapter and page numbers, and the date
you recorded it.
Envelope #5 (#2, for every student) Topic: Rhetorical Devices: Rhetorical Appeals
(ethos, pathos, logos), Metaphor, Extended metaphor, Simile, Alliteration, Paradox,
Word Choice, Tone, etc. Identify the examples, then provide analysis of the
examples.
Think about how the words Malcolm uses (or others use) contribute to a purpose.
For example, why does the salesman give Malcolm a leather belt (p. 61) when
Malcolm is buying on credit? What type of appeal is being made with the “gift?” Is
it a “gift?”