Question

In James Baldwin’s article: “Sonny’s Blues” Why did James Baldwin write this article? Be specific!

Answer 1

Frequently anthologized, James Baldwin’s “Sonny’s Blues” tells the story of two brothers who come to understand each other. More specifically, it highlights, via its two fundamental characters, the two sides of the African-American experience. The narrator has assimilated into white society as a great deal as viable but nevertheless feels the ache of institutional racism and the limits placed upon his opportunity. Conversely, Sonny has in no way tried assimilate and should find an outlet for the deep pain and suffering that his fame as everlasting outsider confers upon him. Sonny channels his suffering into music, particularly bebop jazz and the blues, types developed by using African-American musicians. “Sonny’s Blues” was first posted in 1957 and used to be collected in Baldwin’s 1965 book, Going to Meet the Man.

The story additionally has biblical implications. 1st Earl Baldwin of Bewdley grew to become a avenue preacher early in his life, and religious issues show up for the duration of his writings. In “Sonny’s Blues,” 1st earl baldwin of bewdley makes use of the photograph from the book of Isaiah of the “cup of trembling” to represent the suffering and hassle that Sonny has experienced in his life. At the quit of the story, while Sonny is enjoying the piano, Sonny’s brother watches a barmaid carry a glass of Scotch and milk to the piano, which “glowed and shook above my brother’ s head like the very cup of trembling.” As Sonny plays, the cup reminds his brother of all of the struggling that each he and Sonny have endured. His brother in the end is aware that it is through music that Sonny is able to turn his suffering into something worthwhile.