In both The Autobiography of Malcolm X, by Malcolm X and A Lesson Before Dying, by Ernest Gaines, they both talk about the relationship between writing, freedom and manhood. Both pieces of writing are about a man that has been jailed.

In Malcolm X’s autobiography, the relationship between writing, freedom and manhood is portrayed. With Malcolm X being in jail, his physical freedom has been taken away. However, he chooses to better himself by educating himself more by learning more words and learning how to read and write better. Manhood includes being dominant, and better than others, being the best you could be.  Although Malcolm X physical freedom might’ve been taken away, he still has his freedom to better himself.

“Not long ago, an English writer telephoned me from London, asking questions. One was, “What’s your alma mater?” I told him, “Books.” You will never catch me with a free fifteen minutes in which I’m not studying something I feel might be able to help the black man.” (Malcolm X)

Malcolm X didn’t become the educated man he was because he went to some high, prestigious school, but rather because he taught himself.  Because of Malcolm X’s freedom to do better himself and become more educated, he uses writing to make him a more intelligent, better man.

In Ernest Gaines’ A Lesson Before Dying, the same relationships are portrayed. What is different from Malcolm X’s autobiography is that the character that is jailed, Jefferson, is a black man that has been unjustly accused of committing a murder, which he says he didn’t do. Being in jail now, he really doesn’t have any freedom. Being a slave and being in jail, a man is really deprived of their manhood. While in Jail, Grant, a plantation teacher, comes to try and help Jefferson. During the first couple of visits, Jefferson is hard to get to. Finally, Grant is able to get Jefferson to talk when he brings up what he would want his last meal to be.

“I want me a whole gallona ice cream.” (Gaines)

Grant ends up giving Jefferson a notebook to write down the difference between men and hogs. When Grant visits Jefferson the next time, Jefferson has filled nearly the whole note book. Jefferson freedom to write allowed him to speak his mind and explain why he is a real man, like white males, and not anything less because he is black.