Sonny Blues Paul Pearshall once said “Our most basic instinct is not for survival but for family. Most of us would give our own life for the survival of a family member, yet we lead our daily life too often as if we take our family for granted”. In this story the conflict of responsibility takes place. A brother, who happens to be the narrator, blames his self for the events that takes place in his life, such as his brother sonny’s crack addiction. The Narrator feels responsible for his brother’s heroin addiction because he believed he shut his brother’s career goals down, felt as though he went against what his mother asked him to do, and because he chose not to believe that the way he treated his brother affected his brother life. Often …show more content…
The narrator took the role of being a big brother serious; however going to the military and keeping distant from Sonny affected his brother in many ways. Sandy Norton states that the narrator was in awe when it came to his brother, he didn’t know how to help Sonny, which is why he chose not to think about his brother’s addiction to heroin. “He is, in fact, A man full of fear, trying to use his relatively privileged social position to protect himself from social reality” (Norton 175-192). This quote explains how the narrator tries to avoid thinking about his little brother being hooked on …show more content…
This was to take up the responsibility that was given to him and to let his brother know that he has someone on his corner. “I was sitting in the living room in the dark, by myself, and I suddenly thought of Sonny. My trouble made his real” (Baldwin 378). This shows that the brother has grown sympathy for Sonny. This is because his daughter’s death caused him to really sit down and evaluate the series of events that has taken place in Sonny’s life. The narrator says that Sonny’s trouble became surreal when the narrator was put in the position of losing someone dear to
James Baldwin is a renowned author best known for his work of essays, books and short stories, particularly those which dwell deeply into important social and psychological issues of discrimination, gender inequality, homophobia and so on. One of Mr. Baldwin 's most appreciated literary works is the short story 'Sonny 's Blues ' which focuses on two brothers who grew up together but take different paths in life. The story follows the narrator learning about his brother Sonny 's incarceration due to the use and selling of drugs until his brother gets parole. Throughout the story, we learn about the relationship between the pair and are able to witness the narrators ultimate understanding of Sonny and his ambition. As we continue to observe the impressive short story, we find the most recurring theme to be that of sorrow.
The narrator keeps in mind that he has an obligation to watch his brother but he tore apart by his emotions which are shifting from love to hate. The reason is, he is unable to accept fully that his brother can change as much as he cares about him. Since he was young, Sonny is haunted
Sonny’s letter written to the narrator in response to the news of the narrator’s daughter dying serves an important role in the story by reestablishing the relationship between the brothers and giving the reader insight into the misery that Sonny felt as a result of his actions. It is revealed to the reader that before the narrator had written his letter to Sonny, that the two had not been on speaking terms for a long time. After hearing of the news, Sonny wrote the letter back to the narrator which formally began their newfound connection to each other. It is revealed within the letter Sonny’s reasoning’s behind his imprisonment as well as the sadness he felt within. Sonny describes himself as “trying to climb up out of some deep, real deep
Introduction “They teach you there's a boundary line to music. But, man, there's no boundary line to art”. – Charlie Parker. During the Harlem Renaissance people weren’t just making music, they were creating a new way of life, a brand-new culture.
Drugs are powerful substances and it’s never ok to think you can handle it because you can’t. Sonny understood the streets and he was trying to enlighten the narrator of the situations and circumstances that you may need to be aware of. You have to know what’s going on in the streets so you won’t be caught up in the streets. You will be endangered if you are not aware of your surroundings. Even though Sonny wasn’t in the best position he was getting his brother to be better-rounded.
Losing two parents puts more of the responsibilities on the older brother to watch, take care of, and shelter his younger sibling. Each responsibility comes along has some type of obstacles that will create some setbacks. While Sonny was safe in jail his brother took the time to start a family of his own as an example for Sonny when he got out. Every bad decision that Sonny made had a counter effect on his brother.
Narrator "Blues Sonny" - a worthy man: an obedient son, a caring husband and father. He worked hard to achieve success in life. Before arresting Sonny, he tried not to think about things that might somehow upset and disturbed. Fearing danger or misfortune that could happen to him, he tries to maintain security.
It can be seen present in many different sections throughout the story. This theme is presented to show that love will keep a family together after trails and tribulations. Although Sonny and the narrator had their fair share if arguments and fights, it was brotherly love that prevailed through it all. Which is what kept the two together as a family in the
This can keep him from discovering who he truly is. 4. The narrator of Sonny's Blues is asked by his mother to watch over his brother, Sonny, and sort of act as his keeper. After his mother's death, Sonny's life is taken over by drug abuse and prison. There is tension between the brothers, as shown by the narrator's original refusal to contact or deal with Sonny after going away to prison.
James Baldwin's "Sonny's Blues" analyzes a very complex relationship between the narrator and his brother, Sonny. Before directing to the attention of the relationship between these two brothers, we have to first understand the personality of each character. Initially, the narrator has a stable job as a hardworking math teacher and makes an effort to assimilate himself to his surroundings, but has never comprehended his brother, Sonny. Sonny is the complete opposite of the narrator. Sonny separates from his brother to become a Blues musician, though becomes addicted to drugs, such as heroin, in order to control his own feelings.
Everyone needs rescuing sometime in life? The narrator in “Sonny’s Blues” struggles with his own identity and finding himself. He has a sense of insecurity and conformity to escape his past and from where he comes. The narrator finds himself focusing on his brother’s mistakes in life when in reality; he is questioning his inner insecurities. The narrator believes he must rescue his brother but realizes first he must find rescue himself.
Throughout the entire story every decision that Sonny makes for himself, the narrator is right there telling him why it’s a stupid idea and why he will never be able to do it. Every time the narrator tells him he can’t do something, Sonny works that much harder to achieve that goal. “He looked more helpless than ever, and annoyed, and deeply hurt.” With the narrator consistently belittling Sonny’s dreams, he drifts from his family. Sonny’s family also has a strong hatred for white people.
Although both characters were different they found an understanding by trying to feel what each other were feeling. Also by coping with their tough childhood and feelings together without directly communicating. Sonny wanted so desperately to please his brother, but couldn’t find a way to avoid Jazz but still get that feeling he craved. Sonny was clearly disappointed and embarrassed by his choice of actions and despite what anyone said, he realized the choice he made was poor and it was time to follow his dream. At the end, the narrator realizes why Sonny turned to drugs in the first place.
Flashbacks are important in “Sonny’s Blues”, because they provide context for the events of the story. Flashbacks of the past help readers to understand the present. The author uses significant flashbacks to highlight the theme of the story, which is the obligation of the narrator’s love towards his brother, Sonny. In an important flashback, the narrator recalls the fight between Sonny and their father because they were so much alike in personality. The narrator also remembers his mother requesting him to watch out for his brother on the last day he saw her while on leave from the army.
Also, from this point of view it explains the meaning of being a brother’s keeper and being able to understand it from a first-person view. The narrator puts the reader in his shoes, as the reader is influenced by feeling what the narrator felt throughout the story. The narrator also influences the readers by allowing them to understand the thought process he went through as these tragic things were happening in his life. Also, it can be interpreted by the reader that Sonny’s older brother had the best point of view as he could be regarded as a reliable narrator since all family members throughout the novella expressed their