The friend explains Sonny will probably have a relapse when he gets out of jail. Free, fun, and packed with easy-to-understand explanations! Baldwin’s “leading theme – the discovery of identity – is nowhere presented more successfully than in the short story ‘Sonny’s Blues” (Reilly 56). As the two boys grew older, their differences widened hence contributing to their very different lives. September 29, 2020 by Essay Writer. Sonny's Blues, James Baldwin I read about it in the paper, in the subway, on my way to work. The cycles of suffering and hope are also connected to the cycle of drug addiction portrayed in " Sonny 's Blues." Then perhaps I just stared at it, at the newsprint spelling out his name, spelling out the story. In-depth explanations of Sonny's Blues's themes. It makes sense for there to be a heavy use of motif in "Sonny's Blues," a story at least in part about music and music's therapeutic potential. JAMES BALDWIN'S "SONNY'S BLUES": A MESSAGE IN MUSIC In "Sonny's Blues" theme, form, and image blend into perfect harmony and rise to a thun-dering crescendo. Time passes, but the narrator never writes to Sonny … Individuals breeds isolation and even persecution by the collective, dominant community. The older brother, a straight- Sonny’s Blues – Themes. However, they had contrasting lives, which brings into focus the theme of being safe while taking risks as well. Motif is a structural element of theme. The narrator begins to realize drug addiction isn't something a drug addict can easily control when he encounters Sonny's drug-addicted friend. Sonny's Blues study guide contains a biography of James Baldwin, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis. Motif is primarily a musical term, describing a short, repeated musical phrase that develops a theme in a composition. Yet none of these themes would be possible without the settings of the story. Analysis. This theme seems to be additional; however, it can be also called the main theme. I read it, and I couldn't believe it, and I read it again. Sonny’s Blues- James Baldwin Baldwin writes a story of two brothers who grew up together. In James Baldwin’s “Sonny’s Blues,” a man finally comes to understand the darkness and suffering that consumes his brother, and he begins to appreciate the music that his brother uses to calm those blues. While Sonny is shown to be a drug addict and uneducated, his brother is educated and teaches in a local high school. The theme of psychological relations between people is also touched. "Sonny's Blues" chronicles the relationship between two brothers at various points in their lives. Without understanding relations between Sonny, his brother and others, it would be more difficult for the readers to understand Sonny’s inner world. The story explores themes of imprisonment and reinvention, of love and addiction. Although he is a teacher, he adopts a poor lifestyle that symbolizes the issues of poverty and racism in the US. The narrator simultaneously hates and pities Sonny’s friend, who, despite his problems, makes it painfully clear to the narrator just how difficult Sonny’s drug-addicted life has been and how difficult it will continue to be. The story, written in 1957 but carrying a vital social message for us today, tells of two black brothers' struggle to under-stand one another. Narration and Point of View. Through the physical environment ever present in Baldwin’s Sonny’s Blues, the theme, mood, and character development of each major character is significantly influence. James Baldwin’s short story “Sonny’s Blues” highlights the struggle because community involvement and individual identity. “Sonny’s Blues” is a story that revolves around two brothers who seem to have different perceptions about life. 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