James Baldwin’s “Sonny’s Blues” - Research Assignment

#1.

1. "Sonny's Blues" took place Harlem, NYC before the 1960's around the same time as the "Jazz Age". Harlem was and still is considered to remain the ultimate "soul of America". With it's population at an all time increase, people of all color, shape, and size, were brought together by the arts, entertainment, and immense passion for literature. Harlem then began to make a real name for itself which fueled the Harlem Renaissance. It was around that period of time when Harlem was home to the largest number of African American artists and intellects in all of American history from the '20's up until the late '50's.http://www.soulofamerica.com/new-york-city-harlem.phtml

2. The era in which Sonny's Blues took place is what made the emotions of the plot really come to life. New York is the melting pot of soul, and an underground world of diversity thriving just to live. If there was any hard times or struggle to be seen, look no further than Harlem. Because of Sunny's lack of ability to connect with a stable romodel due to his brother being enlisted in the Army. His strong will to survive the harsh streets of the city life weakened, and alcohol and drugs consumed his life. In effect to his drug habits he was sent to prison which began to unravel his musical passion and talents as a singer/song writer.

#2.

1. The history of African American men in the military, Pre-Civil
Rights movement dealt with a lot of discrimination and the denying the eligibility of a certain ethnic groups of people to serve. The denial the right to carry a weapon for and fight for the nation represented to African American men a denial of full civil rights as well as their manhood and manly valor. Lack of full civil rights caused strife for the integration of the American military.

2. Ironically Sunny's decision to enlist in the military shocked his fellow peers as well as the American society. Due to the abundance of caucasion men and strong minded segregation in the Armed forces it was strongly looked down upon. He wanted to make a difference not only for himself but for the african american community.

#3.

1. Billie Holiday, God Bless The Child.

#1. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQgzEQhtTm4

2. "You can only rely on yourself and not human nature. People are kind when you have things to offer. If you're down on your luck you'll find out who was with you all along and who wasn't. Empty pockets don't make the grade let me tell you. I've been up and down and now back again and it makes you look at people differently which isn't in my nature but you live and learn. Never think people will treat you as you would treat them if the roles were reversed."

#4.

1. "Bebop borrows elements from both blues and swing music and blends those styles with its own unique sound. Bebop musicians place emphasis on the role of the rhythm section. Complex melodies and chord progressions, experimenting with the placement of accents of melodies, discordant sounds, use of the flatted fifth note, fast tempos, and unconventional chromaticism are all characteristics of this genre. Irregular phrasing and use of the walking bass are other common elements of this type of jazz.

Bebop is meant to be listened to rather than danced to. This type of music offers a more personal, eccentric sound than earlier styles of jazz, and engulfs listeners in an existential mood. With the advent of bebop music, jazz became music for the elite rather than music for the masses. This style of jazz became associated with intellectuals and intellectualism."

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-bebop-music.htm

2. Bebop is a representation of "rebirth" in Sonny's eyes. Although controversy among his family lead to problems deeper than the surface, Sunny kept his mind clear and his heart strong. His perserverance was what made this story so touching and surreal, jazz music just acted as an outlet for his emotions. His talent and love of the music prohibited his temptations to get in the way of his life, ultimately saving him.