Question

Short Story “Sonny’s Blues” by James Baldwin

1. Discuss the theme of brotherly love in “Sonny’s Blues.”
2. How can the city of Harlem be an antagonist itself in Baldwin’s story?
3. Discuss the significance of Gracie’s death in the story. How was Grace’s death significant in the reuniting of Sonny and the narrator?
4. Did music save Sonny’s life? Explain.
5. Discuss the significance and meaning of the title “Sonny’s Blues.”

Answer 1

1. In the story "Sonny's Blue" the main character is Sonny and narrator is his elder brother. For a certain period the marrator is away ftom his real Africa culture. He is a teacher and his work and reputation get fame in the circle of the white aristocratic people. But the music played by Sonny leads him back to reality. He feels his old attachment. He feels how he was devoid from his original culture. However the two brothers are united at last.

2. The city of Harlem caused seperation between two brothers. The narrator lost his daughter there. Sonny at last returns to his brother at Harlem.

3. Gracie's death is the main turning point of the story. She is the daughter of the narrator. After her death the narrator returns to the reality. She reminds his promise to his mother. He brings his brother Sonny and two btothers are united. Gracie's death unites two brothers.

4. Music plays great role in rebuilding Sonny's life. His music helps to draw the attention of his elder brother. His music helps his brother to come back to reality and original self. It indirectly helps two brothers to be united.

5. In the short story Sonny's Blue, the protagonist is Sonny. The story is set in the life and background of a African American family. Both the narrator and Sonny are African American. But in course of the story the two brothers are seperated. The story ends with the reunion of two seperated brothers.

Most part of the story covers the life, suffering and happy ending og Sonny. He is united with his brother for the death of Gracie. His music plays very significant role in the story. It works as a catalist. At last both the brothers are united. As the story is revolved with Sonny's life, therefore he is the titular character. Here lies the significance of the title.