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The Unconditional Love In Sonny's Blues By James Baldwin

628 Words3 Pages

James Baldwins Sonny’s Blues is a story about a challenging, evolving relationship between two brothers in post-World War II Harlem of New York. The story is told from the point of view of the narrator as he goes through his thoughts on Sonny’s challenges. The narrator is like any other man. He has a job as an algebra teacher, a few kids, and importantly, a loving wife. Isabel is characterized as an extremely caring woman who loves her family, especially her brother-in-law, Sonny. The story would not be as warm if Isabel was not a part of it. Isabel is seen as the calm linking piece between the brothers, who like brothers do, argue. Think of someone who holds the glue together for a family and how important that role is in a family dynamic. Through her unconditional love and compassion, Isabel plays a vital role throughout the narrator and Sonny’s life in Sonny’s Blues. …show more content…

The narrator seems to beam whenever he speaks about their love. While reading, it is quickly understood the loving role she plays. As the story progresses, it is evident that Isabel never gives up on the narrator. In fact, she loved him despite her parents “not really wanting her to marry him,” (Baldwin 17). The love she had for everyone, and everything was evident and flowed through every room. With Sonny, she is “really much nicer than I am, more open and giving,” as well as “genuinely glad” (Baldwin 10), despite the narrator who often has built up frustration towards him. Isabel’s unconditional love for her family as well as the brothers affected the story more than readers realize. The source of love helps make stories feel complete and less

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