Creating symbolism in literature adds depth and meaning to any story. Alex Haley's Autobiography of Malcolm person the world considered unimportant, to a controversial but influential civil rights leader. Haley first demonstrates how important, yet dangerous, status in a society can be for a minority. The author then explores how the simple hair-straightening process called "conk" tied Malcolm X to the Caucasian world. Finally, Haley highlights the importance of glasses, watches and suitcases and how they played a vital role in Malcolm X's life. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Symbolism in literature gives the reader an in-depth perspective on a character's life. The symbolism in Haley's autobiography provides a direct look at how specific elements of Malcom As a child, Malcolm did not have many material possessions and often felt disconnected from his peers. Therefore, when he moved to the city, he wasted no time and began acquiring all the materialistic objects he felt he needed to establish his status. Touching on the reasoning behind his greedy mentality, he concludes: “Like hundreds of thousands of Negroes of rural origin who had come to the black ghetto of the North before me, and have come since, I had also acquired all the other fashionable trappings of the ghetto. – the zoot suits and conk I described, liquor, cigarettes, then cinnamon – all to erase my embarrassing past” (Haley 71). He found that the status his conspicuous consumption provided, along with the power he felt he had over his own life, was a symbol of having overcome a shameful childhood. His provision of paraphernalia symbolized a self-worth he found in the status the objects provided him. Malcolm rather be like the hustlers they see dressed "fancy" and showing off money without showing respect for anything or anyone. Thus ghetto youth become attracted to the hustler's worlds of drugs, theft, prostitution and crime and immorality. in general" (Haley 332). ). For African Americans, having the ability to achieve status, no matter what, in a Caucasian-dominated society provided a sense of respect and self-worth that they desired but were told they would not be able to achieve. Through the Nation of Islam, however, Malcolm Hairstyle also has the ability to convey a lot about a person. The change in Malcolm She began wearing her hair in a hairstyle known as a "conk," which comes from a lye-based straightening gel. Often, the process involved with “conk” leaves chemical burns on the heads of people who use it. This harsh technique allowed African Americans toachieve hairstyles that resembled those worn by Caucasians. Reflecting on the implications of wearing a hairstyle that made him appear more "white", Malcolm of a white-haired man. I had joined that multitude of black men and women in America who have been brainwashed into believing that blacks are 'inferior' - and whites are 'superior'" (Haley 69). He viewed this then-popular African-American hairstyle as implying that the only way blacks could achieve beauty is by resembling whites. Yet Malcolm X also recognizes the symbolism of his hair after joining the Nation of Islam. Referring to the hairstyle he and his brothers had rejected, he says: “They had just banished that fake, straight, metallic-looking hair from their lives forever […]. It pains me that I don't care where you go, you see this symbol of ignorance and self-hatred on so many niggas' heads” (Haley 278). Wearing a “conk” took him from the sensitivity of feeling imperceptible to a feeling of belonging. On the other hand, it also forced him to realize his own internalized racism once he joined the Nation of Islam, which taught him that being black made him better than others, for no other reason than the color of his skin , found the desire to discard the hair that tied him to the view that black is only beautiful if it resembles white. Such transformations are evident in other contexts, as Malcolm upon entering prison, he appeared to be a man with no real ambitions, concerned only with superficial status. Despite his prison sentence, he emerged as a new man, full of determination to take control of his life. On his way out of prison, Malcolm purchased three things. First, he purchased glasses. Recounting why they had suddenly become a necessity, he reveals: “I had arrived at prison with 20/20 vision. But by the time I was sent back to Charlestown, I had read so much with the light off in my room at the Norfolk Prison Colony that I suffered from astigmatism and had the first pair of glasses I have worn since” (Haley 209) . While in prison, he discovered a hunger for reading and a thirst for knowledge. His glasses embody his devotion to learning. Secondly, he got himself a watch. Growing up he never needed a watch because he had no reason to manage his time. In contrast, when he left prison and joined the Nation of Islam, he established a direction for his life and found himself starting to live by his watch. He says: “You won't find anyone more attentive to time than me. I live by my watch, keeping appointments. Even when I use the car, I drive by the clock, not the speedometer. To me, time is more important than distance” (Haley 211). The time in his life symbolizes the newfound purpose he had discovered. Finally, he purchased two suitcases. After joining the Nation of Islam, Malcolm became a man in demand. He needed to be able to travel at a moment's notice. He reveals, “I travel so much now that my wife keeps alternative suitcases ready so that, when needed, I can take just one” (Haley 211). The full suitcases symbolize his commitment and willingness to do whatever is required for the Nation of Islam. Glasses, watches and suitcases seem to be simple accessories that most people own. While this may be true, those accessories are the only material possessions Malcolm has ever recognized for long.