James Baldwin uses the motif of jazz music in Sonny’s Blues to explore themes of identity, community, and the power of artistic expression. Jazz becomes a way for Sonny to express his identity and deal with his struggles, serving as a bridge between his inner pain and the world around him.

Early in the story, the narrator doubts Sonny’s desire to become a musician. He views the life of a jazz artist as unstable and risky, fearing it will lead Sonny back into trouble, especially with drugs. For Sonny, however, music is essential. It’s not just a hobby but a way to process his emotions and find meaning, even if it means giving up traditional paths like education.

Jazz also brings people together, creating a sense of community. In the nightclub scene, Sonny’s performance shows how music connects him to other musicians and the audience through shared emotions and experiences. The band members’ interactions, their ability to respond to each other without words, demonstrates a deep sense of trust and understanding.

Finally, jazz shows the power of artistic expression. As Sonny plays, the narrator sees how his brother turns his suffering into something beautiful and moving. In that moment, the narrator begins to truly understand Sonny entirely — his struggles, his resilience and how they are given life through the one medium that seems to give him a sense of purpose and identity.

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