Essay on Chapter 1 of I Am Malala

Essay on Chapter One of I Am Malala

Introduction

I Am Malala is the autobiographical story of Malala Yousafzai, written with Christina Lamb. The opening chapter, "A Daughter Is Born," introduces Malala's birth, her family, her Pashtun background, and the beautiful Swat Valley where she grew up. More importantly, the chapter establishes the central importance of gender, education, family support, courage, and freedom in Malala's life. The chapter looks back at a society in which the birth of a boy is traditionally celebrated more openly than the birth of a girl, while Malala's father, Ziauddin, refuses to accept this inequality.

Malala's Birth

Malala begins by describing her birth at dawn in Mingora, in the Swat Valley of Pakistan. In her community, the birth of a daughter was often viewed with disappointment, and families traditionally celebrated sons more enthusiastically. Malala contrasts this social attitude with the happiness of her father, Ziauddin. He welcomes her birth and treats her as a child of great value. This immediately distinguishes Malala's family from many of the traditional expectations around them.