"Sonny's Blues" Test Make-Up Assignment

Fully (re)answer each question that you missed or received partial credit for. Responses must be 4-6 complete sentences long. Each must present textual (quoted) evidence to support the answer.

1. What dual meaning is carried by the word "blues" in the title? What are Sonny's blues?


2. What is the narrator's occupation? How is his occupation significant in understanding his relationship with Sonny?


3. What is the significance of the scene with the street singers? Contrast it to the closing scene.


4. Who is the true redemptive character in the story? Explain your answer.


5. Provide three examples of irony in the story. Explain how your expectations were reversed in reality.

Answers must be attached to your original test, and received no later than 10/2.

"Sonny's Blues" Essay Preview

Be prepared to write on the following essay prompt tomorrow:

James Baldwin’s short story “Sonny’s Blues” is populated by images of darkness and light. In a well-constructed essay explore the literary devices (contrasts in imagery and diction, as well as metaphor, simile, personification, etc.) Baldwin uses to express the darkness/light motif in order to create a particular mood for the reader. (Be sure to define the mood you feel Baldwin has created.)

Literary Terms #3 ("Sonny's Blues)

Pre-AP Reading for Week of 9/13

For next week, please read:

• Chapter 26: "Is He Serious? And Other Ironies" from Foster's How to Read Literature... (If you still haven't acquired your copy of the book -- shame on you -- you can read the chapter online via Amazon's "Look Inside" feature (search for "irony," jump to page 235)).


• James Baldwin's "Sonny's Blues." (You were given a copy in class, remember?)