Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Sonny's Blues

Sonny's Blues was a very well written and interesting piece of literature. It contained many dramatic characteristics including death, separation and many emotional attaching elements. James Baldwin found a way to portray all of the characters in a way where I personally felt an emotional attachment. As I read I found myself truly caring for Sonny and the others and what would happen next to them. I felt the pain and emotions of the narrator seeing his brother Sonny struggle in life; this struck home with me, because about a year ago my sister was struggling with some personal issues and it was a rough time period for my whole family. Basically, I could put myself in the narrators shoes and somewhat understand his pain and sorrow for wanting what was best for his brother.
I found it interesting that there was a Bible reference in the story. In the last sentence was, "For me, then, as they began to play again, it glowed and shook above my brother's head like the very cup of trembling." The phrase "cup of trembling" is a reference from Isaiah 51:17 KJV, where it was used as a symbol and figure of the fear and sufferings that had plagued the people. The same way it was used in the Bible it was kind of used within the story. In my opinion it seemed to be a reminder of all of the sufferings Sonny had been through. I thought it was very interesting that the author tied the Biblical reference into his story.
On the topic of biblical ideas I thought the lectio divina was very interesting in use towards secular literature. I had done lectio divina previously with scriptures, but had never thought it relevant to other pieces of literature. Do I think I will use all of the elements of lectio divina when I read literature? No, but I do believe I will use some of the elements. I will definitely begin to reread passages instead of being a "one and done" reader.
Overall I thought, Sonny's Blues was a great piece of literature that really caught my eye when it used a strong symbol from the Bible that carried a strong meaning. I also thought lectio divina in class was a GREAT experience!

2 comments:

  1. I also thought it was interesting that Biblical ideas are used in this sory, and the lectio devina was a great learning experience in understanding and reflecting upon the text. Excellent post!

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