Themes in Sonnys Blues by James Baldwin Essay -- American Literature

Themes in Sonnys colour by James BaldwinAfter reading the short story Sonnys blues by James Baldwin, I find there are twain major themes that Baldwin is trying to convey, suffering and irony. The first theme that he brings give a look and tries to get the reader to understand is the theme of suffering. The second theme that the fountain illustrates is the theme of irony. James Baldwin writes about dickens Afri rat-American familiars growing up in Harlem, a drab ghetto in natural York, during the 1950s. During this time black people were forced to live in a world of prejudice, discrimination, privation and suppression. The life of a black person was very difficult numerous opportunities afforded to purenesss were not afforded to blacks. Sonny and his brother lived in the projects and had many obstacles to overcome that white people didnt have to. Sonny chose music to outwardly express his suffering, his brother chose to bottle it up and keep it inside, but this is t he common thread they both(prenominal) shared. Suffering is also shown in the story when Baldwin says it came to me that what we both were seeking through our separate cab windows was that part of ourselves which had been left behind (P 47). I cogitate this quote means that both Sonny and his honest-to-goodness brother wishing to retrieve some of their past so that it can help them make do with what has happened in their lives. If Sonny and his brother can both cope with what has happened in their lives and get over it, I think t they both can start moving forward and putting this behind them.I smelling having Sonnys brother narrate the story in the first person is Baldwins way of telling us that Sonnys brother is also suffering but inside, remote Sonny who takes drugs and sings the blues. Sonnys ... ...s and work together to form a loving relationship.In conclusion, the short story Sonnys Blues by James Baldwin brings out two main themes irony and suffering. You ca n actually receive the pain that Baldwins characters hold out and distinguish the two different lifestyles of siblings brought up in the same environment. The older brother remaining nameless is a fabulous touch that genuinely made me want to read on. This really piqued my interest and I feel it can lead to many discussions on why this proficiency was used. I really enjoyed this story it was a fast and enjoyable reading. Baldwin keeps his readers thinking and talk of the town long after they have finished reading his stories. His writing technique is an art, which very few, if any, can duplicate. Works CitedBaldwin, James. Sonnys Blues in Vintage Baldwin. New York Vintage, 2004.