Sonny's Blues by James Baldwin "Sonny's Blues", a story written by James Baldwin, takes place in Harlem, New York in the 1960's. The authors' purpose wants the reader to realize the experiences that the author experienced. The story is about the past and present lives of two brothers. It is told in first person point of view by Sonny's brother (a teacher), whose name was never mentioned. The teacher comes to terms with his African …showed first 75 words of 1414 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1414 total…been a communal culture where individuals derive their identity or meaning from their relationship to their family and community. He always distanced himself from the threatening world that surrounds him. African American culture has had a beneficial function in helping the black community confront its past and present. He now achieves a new understanding of his culture and community - the changes in attitude and consciousness that results in the teacher's reconnection with his society.