Similarities and Differences Between Cofer and Malcolm X

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1. The three similarities between the Cofer and Malcolm X are very astounding. They both have an insatiable desire to learn and gives them a feeling of empowerment. In "The Paterson Public Library." She talks about how "She was absorbed by fantasy that gave her a sense of inner freedom and power." (Cofer 73). While Malcolm X states in "Prison Studies" "I never had been so truly free in my life." (Malcolm X 84) Hinting at the fact of how it freed his mind. Both of them were alienated. In "Paterson Public Library", "she was afraid of being beaten up by a black girl and the library became her sanctuary." (Cofer73). While in "Prison Studies" Malcolm X was incarcerated and alienated from society and the learning that went on within his mind became his freedom. Both of them were also self educated by engrossing themselves with books. 2. The main differences between Cofer and Malcolm X are that while Cofer was more of a psychological isolation Malcolm X's isolation was Physical as well. Cofer seemed to read books for a flight of fancy shown by when she says: "She was absorbed by ...

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