Short Story Analysis

Bre’Aun C. Glasper First Draft
English 112
September 10, 2010

Behind Sonny’s Blues

What is expression? How does one effectively express? How does one determine their best form for expression? This is a question frequently asked by many and can only be answered by self. The idea of self taught or driven expression is conveyed throughout the short story Sonny’s Blues. Expression is the idea of conveying, representing, or communicating through words, art, music, or movement; somewhat of a manifestation. One usually determines their best form of expression through a lifelong passion such as dancing or art, for Sonny it was music. Sonny’s Blues which is written by James Baldwin is the story of two brothers who both face opposite challenges; however the similar obstacle of struggle. Sonny is a young man who was pressured by the streets of Harlem, New York, where he falls to the hands of drugs and is incarcerated for some time. Meanwhile his older brother, who plays a nameless narrator, lives a more settled life, striving and struggling for balance. Upon the release of Sonny from prison, he now is closer but more distant than ever from his brother, as they both have different views, beliefs, and dreams set for one another. Sonny knew nothing else but music as his way of expressing, however his brother felt, Sonny can do more than play an instrument. In this short story, the older brother plays the protagonist, or main character, while Sonny plays the antagonist, the opposing, however due to the variety of different views, the importance of each character is swayed back and forth.

The story is conveyed in a conversational manner as opposed to a formal side which somewhat influences the reader with a more interpersonal relationship to the characters. The overall impression James Baldwin wanted to leave on the reader is one of hope, belief, and the ability to achieve goals. Baldwin succeeded in doing so, by presenting each conflict being faced by both Sonny and his brother. These consisted of man versus man, in relation to Sonny versus his brother, man versus self, in reference to Sonny versus himself as well as the narrator versus himself, and man versus environment, which both brothers faced being they lived in unhealthy conditions in Harlem. This story is a small reminder of a similar novel called Native Son where the protagonist, Bigger Thomas, faced all the elements of conflicts. Along with the defeat of the character in the sense of physically, being he too was incarcerated, however, mentally he was triumphant for the conclusion he reached about people and life itself. This is similar to the triumph of Sonny being able to live out his passion and lifelong dream.

Throughout the story Sonny’s brother constantly believed that there was more that Sonny can do and be successful at besides playing an instrument. “I somehow had the feeling that being a drummer might be all right for other people but not for my brother Sonny” (Baldwin pg 329) .This was a prime example that although Sonny had his own dreams that he felt he had a duty to fulfill, his older brother felt that music would not exert Sonny to his full potential. As a result of this statement being made in the discussion between Sonny and his brother, it ignited an argument which left Sonny somewhat unsure of what he really wants to do with his life. “I want to join the army. Or the navy, I don’t care. If I say I’m old enough they’ll believe me” (Baldwin pg 331). As a result of the discouragement of the older, Sonny is starting to lose desire to pursue his dream. This is indeed unfortunate because an option that works for one person does not necessarily mean it will work for another. For example, teaching students was the older brothers’ way of expressing, as opposed to Sonny’s through music.

This leads back to the question, how does one determines their best form of expressing? Expression is self discovered and cannot be taught or instilled. This is depicted in this short story, which shows the sometimes necessary obstacles that must be faced to achieve personal effective expression. Baldwin is indeed a genius for this work of literature. It evokes thought and the idea that one, without assistance, and criticism can be who or what they want to be.