Purchase Solution

Music in African-American Texts

Not what you're looking for?

Ask Custom Question

Both Baldwin and Wilson utilize music as a pivotal theme within their works. This guide offers an analytical and textual view of how music is represented in both pieces.

Purchase this Solution

Solution Summary

The function of music is explored through two literary examples.

Solution Preview

As you compare the two texts, there are various similarities and differences to consider. Here are some ideas to assist you with your assignment:

"Sonny's Blues" depicts music as cathartic or healing. Music serves as a source of therapy; it eventually "saves" Sonny from a life of drugs and despair. He proclaims, And I was yet aware that this was only a moment, that the world waited outside, as hungry as a tiger, and that trouble stretched above us longer than the sky. His quote reiterates how he became "reborn" through music.

In addition to the therapeutic benefits upon Sonny's character, Baldwin also uses music to shape Sonny as an artist. Jazz exposes Sonny not just as a dynamic character but also an empathetic one. After the brothers witness the arrest of a street singer, Sonny says, "it struck me all of a sudden how much suffering she must have had to go through -- to sing like that. It's repulsive to think you have to suffer that much." This caring attitude exemplifies Sonny's ...

Solution provided by:
Education
  • BS , Slippery Rock University
  • MA, Slippery Rock University
Recent Feedback
  • "thk u"
  • "Thank you. Posted one more.. if you are online pls help. "
  • "thk u"
  • "thk u"
  • "thnk you"
Purchase this Solution


Free BrainMass Quizzes
Macbeth Comprehension Act Four

Test your knowledge of basic plot, character analysis, imagery, and language on the fourth Act of this famous Shakespeare play.

Chapters 1 and 2 - Current Issues and Enduring Questions

This quiz addresses the main themes present in a handful of the essays (specifically including "He Saves All His Critical Thinking for My Behavior", "The Florida Case", "Driver’s Licenses and Dropouts", "Military Women in Combat: Why Making It Official Matters", "A First Amendment Junkie", "Executions Should Be Televised", and "Why the Pledge of Allegiance Should be Revised") that are frequently assigned to English 102 students.

Fallacies - Academic and Research Writing

This quiz discusses the different variations of fallacy and how they come into play in writing.

The Hero's Journey

This quiz will test your knowledge over what the hero's journey is and some examples from literature and the performing arts.

Just Walk on By - Essay by Brent Staples

Students will gain a better understanding of Just Walk on By-- an essay written by Brent Staples.