Sonny's Brother Character Analysis

The issue of who’s at fault between Sonny and his older brother is one that cannot simply be answered by pointing figures. It is hard to blame Sonny for the events that have occurred throughout his life. At the same time it is difficult to put the blame on Sonny’s older brother. He was hurt, confused and afraid that someone who he loved was making decisions that could potentially one day ruin that loved one’s life. Though Sonny’s brother was there to help his brother, whether it was because of his promise to his mother or not, Sonny’s brother never took the time or effort to fully understand Sonny’s addiction or Sonny’s passion for music. Sonny’s brother’s selfish and controlling tendencies towards Sonny and his ongoing pattern of letting

Although Sonny found something he loved, other than drugs, he did not seem to care. Sonny voiced his frustration, “But what I don’t seem to be able to make you understand is that it’s the only thing I want to do.” Instead of being compassionate and understanding the older brother’s heartless response was, “It’s time you started thinking about your future.” Sonny’s brother did not care about Sonny’s happiness; all he wanted was for Sonny to do what he wanted him to do so he could fulfill his promise to his mother. These controlling tendencies tied directly into his selfish traits. After Sonny went to jail his brother was nowhere to be found. The older brother recalls, “And I didn’t write Sonny or send him anything for a long time. When I finally did, it was just because my little girl died”. As previously mentioned the path to recovery is one that stems from a healthy and loving support group. The older brother was neither loving nor supportive. Consequently, all Sonny got throughout his recovery was a brother who told him what to do and a brother who put himself before Sonny. Though the older brother’s selfish and controlling characteristics are the major reasons why the older brother is at fault, one could argue that these character flaws root from the taxing habit of holding in emotions. Second, the older brother had a horrific habit of holding