Malcolm X

At the beginning of the essay Malcolm X expounds on his lack of reading skills while young, and eventually how reading became important to him today. He believes that reading shapes ones morals and principles. Without the ability to read, a basis for intellect and perception, it becomes increasingly difficult to build your own ethical views. The reading empowered Malcolm X because it gave him a sense of accomplishment in life because he was finally able to understand the world around him. Throughout his reading he discovered that minority groups are covered up and his reading allowed him to really see racism for what it is, and began to work hard to overcome the racism.

Unlike Malcolm X, Richard uses books to get away from the trials and tribulations of his life and create a fairytale world where everything is perfect. The difference is that Malcolm X reads to fit in with the world and Richard Wright does it to escape from the world. However, as Richard ages, he learns that words in books can have powerful meanings and comes to terms with the world around him instead of merely escaping.