Sonny's Blues Archetypal Theme

The story I have chosen for this assignment is Sonny’s Blues. Sonny’s Blues has an archetypal theme of light and darkness like many of the short stories we have read in the course. The Archetypal theme however was not my main reason for choosing this story. The reason I have chosen to write and expound on this story is because I felt a deep emotional connection to it when I read it myself and again when we read it as a class. I was able to draw many personal parallel between the story and my own personal life. I was able to relate with the narrator as he watches and tries to guide his brother through a treacherous path in his life. I felt an intense connection with the father as the mother describes the tragic loss of his brother and how it …show more content…
The first theme was an overwhelming sense of guilt. The second theme was how there narrator has a moment of enlightenment and his finally able to feel empathy towards his brother. I could relate to sympathize with the narrator’s sense of guilt. I feel that the majority of the story centers around the narrator trying to have his brother conform to his expectations for him. I also feel a sense of shame from the towards his brother. I feel that the reason for this is that he does not view the occupation of musician as a legitimate profession. It seems for the majority of the story the narrator does not feel that his brother’s musical career is a worthwhile pursuit. I feel there are instances in the story where the narrator blatantly ignores this bother’s talent as he attempt to have him conform to a more normal life style. I also considered how this may have affected Sonny’s mental well-being and sense of self-worth. Sonny clearly understands that his career path is not a conventional one however he has a burning desire and passion for music he cannot ignore. I feel that the narrator’s initial attitude towards his bother’s music career had a negative impact on Sonny. The narrator feels the need to remind sonny’s how difficult it is to make it in the music industry. The narrator views his brother career as more of a hobby then a profession. I feel that narrator’s attitude towards his brother may have contributed to his drug addiction in some way. The narrator’s reminders of how he should seek at true profession may have led Sonny to question himself and his sense of self-worth. Sonny’s only does not have the typical family unite to foster and push him towards his dream. Sonny only