The Harlem neighborhood is overrun by drugs and poverty, but somehow the strength of the community is what helps combat the problems and aide as protection for the children. The community spend a lot of time sharing stories and assisting with deterring children from the wrong paths. This is where the author illustrates love and strength within the community. Music is where Sonny is able to help the community direct their frustrations and worries. The character Creole explained that this is known as the blues, which is the story of suffering, triumph and an outcry that must be heard. “No, there’s no way not to suffer. But you try all kinds of ways to keep from drowning in it, to keep on top of it, for it. You know?” As Sonny struggles to keep on the path of redemption, his outcries can be heard through the music he plays. Sonny learned how to deal with his problems by not …show more content…
This was the image that was also used in the Bible Isaiah 51:22, where it was the representation of the suffering of the Biblical people. In Sonny’s Blues, James Baldwin, used the same imagery to illustrate the suffering of the people of Harlem and Sonny. When he drinks from the cup, it was Sonny’s way of freeing himself from his salvation and bringing himself peace and tranquility. It also marked the beginning of his pathway to redemption. Although there may be obstacles that might be faced while trying to keep on the path of good, the glow from the cup signified that there is light in the mist of darkness. I think for Sonny, this was his calling to finally be free from his past and everything that plague him. It also stood for hope for the community. Hope for the community meant that there is a resolution coming. I’m sure that many of the people in the community didn’t feel like there was any changes coming. “For me, then, as they began to play again, it glowed and shook above my brother’s head like the very cup of