“Sonny’s Blues” Questions and points to write down
1. Jot down the lightness and darkness in the story. Then, write down how they relate to the story (you’ll
need to think inside and outside the box).
2. Jot down the different kinds of musical styles that appear in the story and which character represents it at
that moment.
a. What is said or done by the character that makes you think he or she represents that particular
style at that moment?
3. Think about the title. There is a play on the sound of a word in the title. What is it? Why is it?
4. Who needs saving—Sonny or his brother (the unnamed narrator)? Why?