Sonny's Blues

James's Blues

At first when you read "Sonny's Blues", you may think it is just a piece of fiction by James Baldwin. But after reviewing his biography, I think it may have more purpose than that. The similarities between the fiction he wrote and the life he lived become clear. James Baldwin's work "Sonny's Blues" was his catharsis.

Of the similarities between the story and his life, the one that is most apparent is among the character Sonny and Baldwin himself. Many example of this are apparent in the story. The most evident resemblance is their relationships with their fathers. James was an obedient and intelligent child that was not appreciated by his stepfather. His stepfather never acknowledged his talents and because of that, James felt as though he was an outsider. In the story, it is said that Sonny and his father "never got on too well".

The reasoning of why James father didn't show his appreciation is unknown, but James documents why sonny and his father have their problems. Sonny is said to be "the apple of his fathers' eye". The reason they would fight is most likely that his (Sonny's) father wanted the best for his son, while Sonny wanted to follow his heart. I think James included this information in the story not only to give more depth to the Sonny character, but to rationalize his own stepfathers' treatment of him. James thought of himself as Ishmael, from genesis 21. The story of Ishmael is about God's preference of one child over another. This was an underlying theme in many of Baldwins' stories. Sonny's father apparently didn't have the issues he had with Sonny that he did with the narrator. I assume the same is true with Baldwins' other children and him.

The narrator of Sonny's Blues could be another depiction of his stepfather. The narrator keeps his feelings and concerns internal, almost seeming afraid to express them. He is a caring father and husband with a job as a math. Baldwin's stepfather was a responsible family man who was a pastor. The difference between them is that James stepfather was considered somewhat cruel at home while the narrator has more of a gentle heart. The narrator is also opposed to Sonny's choices in life. He is opposed to Sonny being a musician. He feels he uses being a musician as an excuse to live a wild lifestyle. This could be related to Baldwin's father's opposition of his career choice.

I feel there is an underlying theme in the final scene of the book. In the scene, the narrator and Sonny are at a club. Sonny explains to his brother why he lives the way he does. Then he gets up and plays his song for the club, but more specifically his brother. The narrator hears the song and finally sees his brothers pain.This is the first time they really connect with one another. Through Sonny's blues song, the narrator learns to deal with his own pain. After this, the narrator understands Sonny's passion for jazz and accepts it. I think that the misunderstood Baldwin was looking for such an acceptance his whole life. He was not only a outcast in his household, but in society. Back when Baldwin was writing,