Malcolm X West Indian Archie Sparknotes

In the Autobiography of Malcolm X, the quarrel with West Indian Archie acts as the catalyst in the transformation of Malcolm X into an educated and passionate Muslim man. Malcolm’s activities leading up to the conflict and his arrest were nothing but immoralities. Although he knew the confrontation and his incarceration were the end of his underground existence, little did he know, they were undoubtedly the most critical experiences in his life. Prior to the disagreement, Malcolm was living a life of constant danger. He was trapped in addiction. From his uncontrollable drug dependence in which he “viewed narcotics as most people regard food” to his extensive hustler lifestyle, he was consumed with the action on the streets (141). Caught in

The two worked together to place strategic bets until West Indian Archie began to question Malcolm X’s reliance. He accused him of collecting money on a bet he never placed. Malcolm knowing the discrepancy was a misunderstanding denied his accusation. Threatening Malcolm X at gunpoint, West Indian Archie wasn’t going to submit. Neither was Malcolm. According to the jungle world, “a hustler could never afford to have it demonstrated that he could be bluffed, that he could be frightened by a threat, that he lacked nerve” (130). To a hustler on the streets of Harlem, reputation embodies everything. Due to their pride, the two had no option of surrendering. The fight with Archie, accompanied by the investigation of the burglary and another hustler seeking vengeance, were undeniably life-threatening allegations for Malcolm. Fleeing from Harlem to Boston looked to be the solution for Malcolm X to live somewhat safely. But, because he sacrificed his honor and left, he ruined his reputation and his name in the world of hustling. No longer could he return or even begin to command the respect required of a hustler navigating the New York streets. Judging by Malcolm’s tone, the move into Boston and the danger of the streets were not close to