Student Question
What is the significance of Maleeka's diary in the novel The Skin I'm In?
Quick answer:
Maleeka's diary in "The Skin I'm In" is significant as it allows her to explore a stronger alter-ego named Aleekma, helping her to transform her self-image. Through Aleekma's experiences on a slave ship and her fantasies about Kinjari, who represents Caleb, a supportive student, Maleeka gains strength to confront challenges at school. This creative outlet empowers her to overcome peer pressure and accept her beauty and intelligence, supported by Ms. Saunders.
Maleeka's writing allows her to explore a self with strength. She reverses her name to Aleekma, and in a sense, reverses her self-image by creating an alter-ego. Her character faces unspeakable horrors below decks in a slaver ship. No matter the conditions, she stays strong and fantasizes about Kinjari, a fellow slave with beautiful eyes who watches her constantly. More than likely, this fantasy male is the reflection of Caleb, a fellow student who likes Maleeka despite her dark skin. Caleb is a sensitive, hard-workingstudent who is the opposite of many of his fellows in an inner city school. From Aleekma's strength, Maleeka can face up to the demands of Char and the twins and end up doing what is right. Ms. Saunders supports her is spite of her efforts to resist the understanding that she is beautiful and smart.
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