Family Relations In Sonny's Blues By James Baldwin

Family relations is a major theme in “Sonny’s Blues,” written by James Baldwin. The story focuses on two characters, Sonny and the narrator, who are brothers. Throughout the story, one can observe how the siblings depend on each other for support. At first, the reader sees the narrator’s mother him that he needs to watch over Sonny after she is going to pass way. However, the narrator “pretty well forgot [his] promise to Mama,” which possibly lead Sonny to substance abuse and prison. (9) When Sonny is released from jail, he tells the narrator that he wants to become a jazz musician, which the narrator dismisses. Once again the narrator demonstrates a lack of support towards his brother’s dreams. However, by the end of story the narrator displays a genuine concern for his brother, constantly watching over Sonny as he recovers from a drug addiction and prison. In the end “Sonny’s Blues” shows that one can become insane because they don’t have a family bond.
Even as a young adult, one must have such relations in order to be guided on a path to success. Parents strive to search for the best ways to raise happy and healthy children and are often concerned if their children are using drugs. However, research backed by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) shows that parents play a critical role in preventing the use of drugs in children. When I was reading “Sonny’s Blues,” I wondered if Sonny’s life would be different if his family had still been watching him. I realized that Sonny lacked a loving family, and therefore turned to drugs. That is why I believe that children need to strong family support and thorough education at school to warn and prevent against harmful