Final answer:
In "Sonny's Blues," the narrator discovers Sonny's drug problem through a newspaper article and misrepresents Sonny due to a lack of understanding. The story's title reflects the themes of struggle and music, while the narrator's eventual presence at Sonny's concert symbolizes his acceptance and comprehension of Sonny's life.
Step-by-step explanation:
In James Baldwin's short story "Sonny's Blues", the narrator learns about Sonny's drug problem through a newspaper article. This shocking discovery happens while the narrator is on his way to work, leading him to reflect on his relationship with Sonny and the challenges they faced growing up in Harlem. The title "Sonny's Blues" refers not only to Sonny's struggles with addiction and his passion for jazz music but also to the overall sense of sadness and the complexity of life's challenges that are central themes in the story.
Sonny is often misrepresented by his brother, the narrator, who struggles to understand Sonny's perspective and lifestyle. The narrator, as a math teacher, represents a conventional path of stability and respectability, whereas Sonny, a jazz musician, pursues a more unconventional path that the narrator initially disapproves of. This misrepresentation stems from the narrator's difficulty in appreciating the depth and meaning of Sonny's music and life choices.
In the resolution of the story, the narrator's presence at Sonny's concert signifies his newfound acceptance and understanding of Sonny's world. The concert acts as a turning point where the narrator finally acknowledges the power and beauty of Sonny's music, leading to a moment of connection between the two brothers. It also represents the narrator's lesson learned and his ongoing process of coming to terms with both Sonny's and his own personal challenges.