In “Sonny’s Blues,” James Baldwin uses jazz music to explore themes of identity, community, and the power of art. For Sonny, jazz is more than music; it’s a way to define himself in a world that tries to limit him. His brother initially dismisses Sonny’s passion for jazz, but Sonny insists it’s the only way he can express the pain and complexity of his life as a Black man and an artist.

Jazz also connects Sonny to others. In the jazz club scene, his brother finally understands this, seeing how Sonny’s music brings people together. Through the music, he finally empathizes with Sonny’s struggles, realizing that jazz is a way for Sonny to find support and healing in his community.

Finally, Baldwin shows how jazz gives Sonny power and resilience. His music channels his struggles with racism, poverty, and addiction, turning them into something meaningful. For Sonny, jazz isn’t just art, it’s survival, a way to transform pain into beauty and reclaim his voice.

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