Internal Conflict In Sonny's Blues

The Theme of Struggle

Internal struggle is something experienced in different ways by many people; but overcoming it can lead to growth and triumph. In Sonny’s Blues, the theme of the cycle of suffering and internal conflict can be seen in various ways. From the heavily detailed and rounded characters, to the plot structure which streamlines all the information that the reader needs to know. Authors use many ways to convey their intended theme, whether it is apparent or lies deeper in many layers through the various forms of fiction elements.s In Sonny’s Blues, the setting of the story is told to be set in Harlem, a neighborhood in New York City. We are given a deeper understanding of just what sort of environment Harlem is through the narrator’s

As Sonny’s connection to jazz music is a symbol of escape or relief from his internal suffering. Sonny, who explains to his brother later in the story, dreams of playing jazz music. Combined with what we know about his struggle with addiction, this symbolism of jazz being his escape is clear. Near the end of the story, the narrator decides to tag along with Sonny to one of his shows at a nearby nightclub, where he then witnesses Sonny giving his dedication to music. During this ending sequence, light is brought up plenty of times. As the reader knows by this point, the narrator understands Sonny’s struggle, and both of them are now seeing the light to triumph over their suffering. An instance is when the narrator observes the band complete a set, where he notes “There isn’t any other tale to tell, it’s the only light we’ve got in all this darkness.” (Baldwin 99). Another symbol in the end sequence is one that is likely to not be known right away. In which Sonny takes a sip from a glass of scotch and places it on his piano, where “…it glowed and shook above my brother’s head like the very cup of trembling” (99). The cup of trembling is a reference to Isaiah 51:22-23 (Bible, Isa. 51.22) which is from the Bible. Scattered throughout the Bible are stories of both suffering and

Not only that, but the overcoming of suffering is also central to the story, as the reader finally gets that resolution in the end. Making characters as human as possible help to reinforce the theme; as the reader can relate and put themselves in the shoes of the characters. Symbolism also plays a heavy role, whether it is an obvious symbol, or one that the reader needs to delve deeper into; or even have prior knowledge beforehand. In addition, a well-crafted plot is essential to tying every element together. Sonny’s Blues is all about struggle; but it can be overcome – and no one is ever alone in their