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

Themes in Sonnys Blues by James BaldwinAfter reading the short story Sonnys Blues by James Baldwin, I find there are two major themes that Baldwin is trying to convey, suffering and irony. The first theme that he brings out and tries to fuss the ratifier to understand is the theme of suffering. The second theme that the author illustrates is the theme of irony. James Baldwin writes about two African-American brothers growing up in Harlem, a contraband ghetto in New York, during the 1950s. During this time black people were forced to live in a world of prejudice, discrimination, poverty and suppression. The life of a black psyche was very difficult many opportunities afforded to whites 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 the common thread they both sha red. 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 think this quote means that both Sonny and his older brother deficiency to retrieve some of their past so that it can help them cope 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 feel having Sonnys brother itemize the story in the first person is Baldwins way of telling us that Sonnys brother is also suffering but inside, unlike Sonny who takes drugs and sings the blues. Sonnys ... ...s and work unneurotic to form a loving relationship.In conclusion, the short story Sonnys Blues by James Baldwin brings out two main themes irony and suffering. You can truly feel the pain that Baldwins characters experience and di stinguish the two different lifestyles of siblings brought up in the same environment. The older brother remaining nameless is a mythologic touch that really 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 talking 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.