Sonny's Blues
"William's" Growth as an Understanding and Loving Brother In James Baldwin's short story "Sonny's Blues," the protagonist is an African-American high school algebra teacher who lives in the projects in New York City. (This character will be referred to as "William," which means "determined guardian," for writing purposes.) After the death of his mother, William is left with the difficult task of keeping his younger brother, Sonny, out of trouble and on the right track. This is not an easy task for William, as Sonny becomes addicted to heroin while trying to live out his dream of becoming a professional musician. After living with Sonny for some time, William learns that there is more pain and despair in his little brother than he ever could have imagined. William learns that Sonny has been arrested for peddling and using heroin in the beginning of the story. At first, he can not believe it. Then he realizes that he can believe it, he just can not find the room for Sonny's situation anywhere inside of him. William had always had his suspicions about Sonny being addicted to drugs, he just could not, or would not, accept it. After talking to one of Sonny's friends, William learns that Sonny will be sent to "treatment,"
William goes, and he sees that his brother truly is gifted. He also sees that Sonny's music is his only escape from this pain. While arguing with himself about whether or not to search the room, William sees something which may have begun to change his attitude about his brother. He begins to think that maybe Sonny has changed. He knows now that Sonny has a lot of things going on inside of him that are eating him up, and that all he (William) can do is to be there for his brother and to love him unconditionally. The people are singing hymns and Sonny is watching on with a smile. He will not admit to himself what he would be searching for, but he knows what it is -- heroin. William is not sure who his brother is any more, he only knows who he used to be. William has not seen this side of Sonny before, at least not since Sonny's addiction. The beauty and sorrow of Sonny's music cause William to view his brother in a completely different light. Sonny gives his views on suffering and then goes on to talk about himself and the way that he feels about his actions in the past. Sonny's words make William realize that there is more to his brother.
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