Sonny's Blues Family Structure

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"Sonny's Blues" by James Baldwin takes place in Harlem, New York, during the 1950s post-World War II. The short story portrays the intense bond between the narrator and his little brother, Sonny, which is defined by their African American backgrounds and forced to face racism and prejudice. The narrator, with no name, voices his experience with his brother, heroin addict Sonny, in a non-sequential structure. The personal identity markers revealed by the author throughout the story define the different lifestyles the brothers lived and their views on life. The story highlights how their experiences with education, age, and their differing thought processes shape their lives within the confines of a racially prejudiced society. One is a family man with a dead daughter; the other lives a dangerous, …show more content…

The protagonist is a rational person who tries not to involve himself in unpredictable situations due to his responsibilities as a husband and a schoolteacher. His attitude towards life can be described as conservative, especially in the way he seeks to fear conformity in all aspects of life. This is seen when he gets married and leads a normal life, something evidenced in his words, "Two days later I was married, and then I was gone" (Baldwin 669). In his decisions, he portrays the intent of creating stability in his family and ensuring that he meets all the requirements of his family. Sonny is more of a thinker who searches for his identity through creative activity and art. He disregards the mainstream traditions that dictate the way to achieve success and happiness, choosing the world of jazz and blues instead. Thus, this liberal art saves him from weariness but bears certain dangerous elements that let him channel the inner turmoil he experiences. Music in relation to the characters shows how Sonny became devoted to music, and it becomes important to

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