Sonny's Blues Literary Analysis

508 Words3 Pages
Using characterization and symbolism in the story “Sonny’s Blues,” James Baldwin conveys that suffering can bring about unique insight and creativity. James Baldwin uses characterization to portray that struggle against confinement can induce unique insight and ingenuity. Although more content with it than Sonny, the narrator also believes that Harlem is a dismal place to grow up, illustrated by his observations that the boys in Harlem were characterized to be “filled with rage. All they really knew were two darknesses, the darkness of their lives, which was now closing in on them” (Baldwin 123) because they’re growing up and now have to face the realities of life after living the sheltered life of a child. The adults in their lives have protected

More about Sonny's Blues Literary Analysis

Open Document