Similarities Between Sonny's Blues And The Man Who Was Almost A Man

In a world where fitting in feels safer than standing out, the battle to express oneself and find one's true identity is a journey many of us navigate with uncertainty. “Sonny’s Blues” follows the strained relationship between two brothers, one a high school teacher and the other a struggling jazz musician named Sonny. In the story, both brothers grapple with their troubled past and uncertain futures. Throughout the story, Sonny seeks redemption and self-expression through the influence of jazz, which leads to a deeper understanding between the brothers. Similarly in “The Man Who Was Almost a Man”, the protagonist, Dave, wrestles with his desire for adulthood while battling his Southern upbringing. Through his search for an identity and a sense

When it comes to self-expression and one's identity, fear acts as an invisible barrier that hinders true personal growth. Much like in the story “The Man Who Was Almost a Man” for the protagonist, Dave Saunders. His fear stems from his desire to prove his manhood and masculinity by owning a gun, yet he lacks maturity and responsibility to handle it properly. Dave feels as if the gun will give him power over others, and define himself with masculinity. When Dave eventually obtains the gun, he ends up accidentally shooting it and killing a mule. It shows his character is immature and powerless at this moment, instead of the huge rush of manhood he has intended. The narrator states, “He did not quite know what had happened. He... stared at the gun as though it were a living thing” (Wright 4). By staring at the gun as though it were a living thing, Dave is personifying the weapon. Dave is fearful of what it could do next, but he's still curious on what power it

Kill a man with a gun like this” (3). This quote reflects his evolving perception of himself through the lens of power and fear. The phrase “feeling a sense of power” indicates how he equates owning a firearm with authority. However, his sense of power is also intertwined with fear. The realization that he “could kill a man with a gun like this” suggests a daunting awareness of the immense responsibility and consequences of wielding this power. This moment within the story reveals the dangers of impulsivity and the fear that can be insured by it. Along with fear within this story, “Sonny’s Blues” showcases the same theme. In the article "Sonny’s Blues." Short Stories for Students, edited by Kathleen Wilson, states “While Sonny's friend and the narrator talk about Sonny's arrest, they tell each other some of their fears” (Wilson 1). The quote highlights fear mainly through Sonny’s arrest. As Sonny’s friend and the narrator discuss the situation, they reveal some of their fears to each other. This indicates that fear is a common experience for them, shaping their identities and relationships. The narrator explains that they were “scared, scared” for