A section of the novel that we have talked about in class was when Malcolm goes back to Lansing after leaving town since the time when his house was burned down. This part of the story makes me curious as to why Malcolm decides to return to Lansing, the place that's filled with the most mournful occasions in his life. It was in that house where his father died, leaving Malcolm’s mother alone with the seven kids. The family wasn't allowed to collect the father’s insurance, since it was believed that Malcolm’s dad committed suicide, causing the family to suffer through many economic hardships. Malcolm refers to that time, as it was "their worst depression year." Finally, it was the place where their family split up under the pressure of all the devastating circumstances happening one after another, forcing Malcolm to move to Michigan with the hope for a better life.
So, why does Malcolm go back to his past? On one hand, this decision may seem unreasonable as going back makes him recollect and live through the saddest and hopeless period of his life. On the other hand, I believe, this decision is wise and self-serving as Malcolm most likely feels guilty for leaving the family and not being able to protect the people he loved the most back then.
Response #2:
It's very interesting how Mr. Ostrowski, Malcolm's middle school teacher who in fact values Malcolm as a student, doesn't support his future career choice. Instead, the teacher suggests to one of his favorite students to lower his expectations because of his race. In fact, the scene in the novel where Mr. Ostrowski doubts Malcolm's goal in life to what the teacher believes to be realistic for a "nigger," disturbs me the most. Despite of Malcolm's success in school, he is not encouraged to pursue his dream and is forced to doubt himself and settle for less, such as a carpenter. Towards the end of chapter two, Malcolm keeps rethinking and referring to Mr. Ostrowski's words. He no longer imagines himself as a lawyer, but rather sees himself back in Michigan having a menial job.
Malcolm's reaction to the teacher's words show that he didn't develop a strong enough character to ignore other's opinions and believe in himself in spite of what other people say, which is unfortunately true for many of us. Mostly everyone is looking for some motivation from those who we trust and respect in order to go along with our dreams.
