The Bond In Sonny's Blues By James Baldwin

There is nothing quite like the bond shared by siblings. Especially by those of the same gender. Through horrific ups and downs, even situations that would tear even the best of friends apart, siblings somehow manage to always patch things up and continue on. A bond like such was present in James Baldwin’s Sonny’s Blues, which told the story of two brothers on a seemingly detrimental path towards complete destruction. But through it all, they managed to remain close and get over their differences in order to build a stronger relationship. While the story was full of emotional ups and downs, there was a certain point that confirmed to the reader the solidity of their relationship. The story begins with the main character, Sonny’s older brother, talking about his and Sonny’s childhood. He puts an extra emphasis on Sonny’s downward spiral after their mother’s death. How it all began with his rising interest in music, which he contributed to his

I seemed to hear with what burning he had made it his with what burning we had yet to make ours, how we could cease lamenting. Freedom lurked around us and never be free until we did (Baldwin, 69).

This statement signifies a new beginning for them, a start of a different kind of relationship, one where they both understand their strengths as well as their weaknesses, and how they can continue to build a stronger relationship. Before hearing Sonny play, his brother never understood Sonny. He couldn’t understand him because the best way for Sonny to communicate his feelings was through music, something that he refused to listen to up until he had no choice but to. This turning point shows just how bad things can get, and just how resilient a sibling bond can be. That even though they were on the verge of never speaking to each other ever again, they were able to find common ground and go in a more positive direction towards a stronger