In Malcom X’s text there is a connection between writing, freedom, and manhood.  Malcom really matured into the man he became in jail through reading books, initially the dictionary and then eventually books on slavery.  In the quote “In my slow, painstaking..” (page 2) Malcom mentions how he educated himself on reading and improving his penmanship by copying down the dictionary.  Once he actually started building his vocabulary he was able to read books he was never able to.  Even though Malcom was locked up in jail at the time, he never felt so “free” through his new found ability to read.  In a quote he states, “-and my reading of books, months passed without me even thinking about being imprisoned.  In fact, up to then, I never had been so truly free in my life.” (Page 2) Another quote that stuck out to me was when a man from England asked Malcom, “What’s your alma mater?” and Malcom replied, “Books”. (Page 3) As mentioned earlier Malcom grew into the man he became and more educated through books.  His education made him understand life and opened his eyes to the real world.