The Theme Of The Suffrage In Sonny's Blues By James Baldwin

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The central theme of suffrage is presented in James Baldwin’s “Sonny’s Blues” that portrays different roles of Christianity. The revival taking place in the short story symbolizes the narrator’s reawaking to his life. Hymns reference throughout the story represent the language of emotions presented in the characters. The implication of “the very cup of trembling” exemplifies redemption. These three representations reveal the relationship between the theme of suffrage to Christianity. Baldwin portrays redemption from suffrage in the revival taking place in the story. As the narrator looks outside the window at the revival, he beings to realize his brother Sonny has changed. The narrator “stayed at the window, both relieved and apprehensive” (92). As the narrator realizes his brother has a heart and passion for music, he begins to understand his brother have been restored from his drug addiction. During the revival the narrator witnesses the effect of music on lives. The attendees of the the revival “eyes focused on something within; …show more content…

As the narrator is attending his brother’s performance he realizes music lifts the suffering from Sonny’s life. He uses the simile “like the very cup of trembling” (100). As a comparison to Sonny’s music that could relieve those who listen and Sonny from suffering. The reference to Isaiah 51:17 guides the reader to a scripture for more understanding. Even though Sonny’s sins aid him in suffering God promised he would restore those who believed. The narrator listens to Sonny’s blues and realizes Sonny would continue to suffer until someone listens to him. “Freedom lurked around us and I understood, at last, that he could help us be free if we would listen, that he would never be free until we did” (99). Sonny was suffering and just wanted someone to listen to his pain. Thus the implication of the Bible helps the reader understand the relief from

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