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Sonny's Blues Thesis

1087 Words5 Pages

Jake Mercier
College Reading and Writing
2040696
3/11/2023
Essay Title

"From the Jazz Age to the Present: Exploring the Ongoing Struggles Faced by African Americans in Sonny's Blues and Modern Society"
, two crucial components need to be taken into consideration: first, the analytical review of the written piece, and second, its connection to real-life issues. In James Baldwin's "Sonny's Blues," we witness the challenges a jazz musician faces while living in Harlem during the 1950s alongside his strained relationship with his brother. This write-up will delve deeper and explore how their hardships relate to modern-day struggles. Music plays a significant role in Sonny's life as it symbolizes artistry and creativity, highlighting society's need for varied cultures within communities. It is also known to provide …show more content…

The story takes place during an era of heightened racial tensions when segregation was still endemic. Although progress has been made since then, the ongoing struggle for justice is evident. The themes explored in "Sonny's Blues" reveal just how ingrained societal biases can be, resulting in unjust treatment and marginalization. Examples of these issues persist today - police brutality towards Black individuals, biased hiring practices, or housing policies - to name but a few. Baldwin provides a platform whereby those silenced by oppressive systems can have their voices heard while also emphasizing the need for continued efforts aimed at achieving true equality for all people. In conclusion, Sonny's encounter highlights that there is much work yet to be done concerning promoting racial justice and equity worldwide. If we desire equal opportunities regardless of race or ethnicity among individuals, we must remain ever vigilant against prejudice wherever it occurs - more so now than ever

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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.

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