Unlocking Knowledge: A Black Youth’s Journey with Books
The Library Card
Literal Comprehension:
“The Library Card,” penned by the African American author Richard Wright, tells the story of a young Black man in America. One day, while reading a newspaper called The American Mercury, he came across an article where a white man, H.L. Mencken, was being vehemently criticized by another white man. This surprised him, as he had always believed that only Black people were subjected to such hatred, not white individuals. The article was a furious denunciation, labeling Mencken a fool. Intrigued, the young man became curious to learn more about Mencken and felt a strong desire to read his books. However, during that era, Black people were denied access to libraries and were not issued library cards. Fortunately, he managed to borrow the library card of a white man at his workplace and read two books by H.L. Mencken. As a result, he found himself transported to a different world. He began to understand why Mencken was disliked by some of his own people: Mencken advocated for equality between whites and Blacks. The more he read, the more he grasped the reality of his situation. He continued to visit the library, delving deeper into the world of books and reading more critically. After immersing himself in numerous books, he gained a better understanding of his boss and realized that he had been missing a crucial element in his life until then. Reading became an addiction, akin to a drug. Driven by his aspiration to become a writer, he recognized the need to expand his knowledge and understanding of people. He purchased English grammar books to improve his language skills but discovered that he learned more effectively from novels than from grammar texts. Through his extensive reading, he became acutely aware of the suffering of slaves, the suppression they endured, and the violent enforcement of cruel laws by whites against Blacks. Consequently, he grew increasingly dissatisfied with the idea of living a life of servitude in the South, a sentiment fueled by his education. As a member of a minority group, he felt powerless to fight against the white majority. His education set him apart from other Black individuals, making it difficult for him to ignore the plight of his people. Ultimately, feeling a sense of incompleteness in his pursuit of becoming a writer, he was left with a profound sadness.
Interpretation:
The author likely aims to convey the paramount importance of education in life. The more one reads, the more one learns about the vastness and mysteries of the world. In this story, a young Black man’s curiosity is piqued after reading a newspaper editorial that harshly criticizes Mencken. His thirst for knowledge intensifies, leading him to read extensively. Reading heightens his awareness of the painful conditions and suffering endured by Black people, transforming his perspective on life and the world. His education distinguishes him from others, and he becomes acutely aware of the discrimination, injustice, and inequalities between whites and Blacks.
Critical Thinking:
This story highlights the savage treatment of Black people by white individuals during that time. However, considering that the USA is a highly democratic nation, it raises questions about the extent of such savage treatment of Black people. Was education truly compulsory for all? How could a boy forge a letter if he was uneducated, and if he was discriminated against? Was the freedom of Black people truly seized? These questions leave us not entirely convinced by certain aspects of the story.
Assimilation:
Before reading this story, I believed that English could be learned primarily through grammar books. However, I now understand that we can often infer the meaning of new words from their context rather than constantly relying on a dictionary. Moreover, I have come to appreciate the supreme value of education. Consequently, I am determined to continue my education to the highest degree to make my life more meaningful.