The character Sonny in the short story “Sonny’s Blues” by James Baldwin is a troubling character seeking for guidance and acceptance. Depression and substance abuse intertwine on several levels. Sonny’s character portrays a lost, unstable individual, who seeks freedom and redemption.
Sonny was a product of his environment; he was exposed to the various lifestyles at the time. Sonny’s character makes a lot of unjust and questionable choices. For instance, Sonny’s unhealthy addiction to heroin; one of the most addictive and destructive drugs. Sonny’s curiosity for heroine intensified when he saw his friend, a typical drug addict using the drug. Sonny’s curiosity led to his bad habits and addiction.
Sonny struggled with expressing himself and …show more content…
Sonny’s character is perceived as a confused and lost young boy by the people around him. The narrator feels pity for Sonny and almost blames himself for the way he turned out. The relationship between Sonny and his brother is distant and slightly stiff. Sonny feels he has disappointed his brother and their deceased mother. The behavior of Sonny and his addiction has strained and impacted his relationship with his brother a great deal.
The word “Trapped” is often repeated in “Sonny’s Blues” which describes Sonny’s circumstances. The narrator believes his brother is trapped, particularly when he reads the newspaper that Sonny is in jail. Although in confinement, Sonny feels he is mentally and emotionally trapped. “Freedom” is also repeated in the short story, it explains Sonny yearns for freedom and a new beginning.
Although many negative things are associated with Sonny’s Character, One positive thing that turns Sonny’s life around is music. Music plays a central role in Sonny’s life; it defines his passion and aspiration. Sonny viewed music as a ticket to his freedom. For instance, when he lived with Isabel’s family, he played the piano; playing the piano gave him satisfaction and assurance. Whenever Sonny played the piano, the craving of heroin was replaced with the sound of music. Sonny’s infatuation with music led the pathway to a better life, with the …show more content…
Unlike The narrator’s static character, Sonny’s character is round. Although Sonny makes the wrong choices, he defies all odds of society’s acceptance. Sonny’s character breaks all the rules and stays unpredictable. Sonny was not reluctant to change and was willing to break free from his bad habits by using music as a tool.
Although James Baldwin does not specify the time period in the short story “Sonny’s Blues” it is presumably set in Harlem, New York in the 1950s. The lifestyle in Harlem during the 1950s was very vivacious and filled with creativity. Living in Harlem, Sonny’s character is surrounded by various people who impact his life one way or the other. The time period influences Sonny’ character and affects his view on things or life. Music and drugs were common in Harlem. Sonny’s connection with music, drugs, and even poverty illustrates the real life situation of Harlem at the
Sonny was a product of his environment; he was exposed to the various lifestyles at the time. Sonny’s character makes a lot of unjust and questionable choices. For instance, Sonny’s unhealthy addiction to heroin; one of the most addictive and destructive drugs. Sonny’s curiosity for heroine intensified when he saw his friend, a typical drug addict using the drug. Sonny’s curiosity led to his bad habits and addiction.
Sonny struggled with expressing himself and …show more content…
Sonny’s character is perceived as a confused and lost young boy by the people around him. The narrator feels pity for Sonny and almost blames himself for the way he turned out. The relationship between Sonny and his brother is distant and slightly stiff. Sonny feels he has disappointed his brother and their deceased mother. The behavior of Sonny and his addiction has strained and impacted his relationship with his brother a great deal.
The word “Trapped” is often repeated in “Sonny’s Blues” which describes Sonny’s circumstances. The narrator believes his brother is trapped, particularly when he reads the newspaper that Sonny is in jail. Although in confinement, Sonny feels he is mentally and emotionally trapped. “Freedom” is also repeated in the short story, it explains Sonny yearns for freedom and a new beginning.
Although many negative things are associated with Sonny’s Character, One positive thing that turns Sonny’s life around is music. Music plays a central role in Sonny’s life; it defines his passion and aspiration. Sonny viewed music as a ticket to his freedom. For instance, when he lived with Isabel’s family, he played the piano; playing the piano gave him satisfaction and assurance. Whenever Sonny played the piano, the craving of heroin was replaced with the sound of music. Sonny’s infatuation with music led the pathway to a better life, with the …show more content…
Unlike The narrator’s static character, Sonny’s character is round. Although Sonny makes the wrong choices, he defies all odds of society’s acceptance. Sonny’s character breaks all the rules and stays unpredictable. Sonny was not reluctant to change and was willing to break free from his bad habits by using music as a tool.
Although James Baldwin does not specify the time period in the short story “Sonny’s Blues” it is presumably set in Harlem, New York in the 1950s. The lifestyle in Harlem during the 1950s was very vivacious and filled with creativity. Living in Harlem, Sonny’s character is surrounded by various people who impact his life one way or the other. The time period influences Sonny’ character and affects his view on things or life. Music and drugs were common in Harlem. Sonny’s connection with music, drugs, and even poverty illustrates the real life situation of Harlem at the