As an African American living in Harlem, he knows the limits and obstacles that are placed in front of him because of his race and feels captive in the community. Drugs are one of he opinions for getting out. To him, “It makes you feel – in control. Sometimes you've got to have that feeling” (195). Ironically, the drugs actually made him lose what little control he had. Sonny destroys his life by becoming addicted to drugs and getting sent to prison. He lost his grace from God and his brother by committing these sins. This also affects the narrator’s internal conflict. On the other hand, he uses his gifts of music to cope with his urges and frustrations. It seems that music is a way of escape, however the lyrics must come from his pain and
As an African American living in Harlem, he knows the limits and obstacles that are placed in front of him because of his race and feels captive in the community. Drugs are one of he opinions for getting out. To him, “It makes you feel – in control. Sometimes you've got to have that feeling” (195). Ironically, the drugs actually made him lose what little control he had. Sonny destroys his life by becoming addicted to drugs and getting sent to prison. He lost his grace from God and his brother by committing these sins. This also affects the narrator’s internal conflict. On the other hand, he uses his gifts of music to cope with his urges and frustrations. It seems that music is a way of escape, however the lyrics must come from his pain and