Compariosn of Sonny's Blues by James Baldwin and a Doll's House by Henrik Ibsen

Introduction

The short story titled Sonny’s Blues written by James Baldwin, and the play A Doll’s House written by Henrik Ibsen, have many similarities and differences when it comes to settings, symbols, and characters. Although they may seem like two completely different works, they have a lot more similarities than expected. James Baldwin and Henrik Ibsen use their protagonists to express an idea of breaking free from a restrictive society to accomplish genuine happiness. Being restricted by the roles they play in society, the main characters attempt to break free from conventional societal perceptions to understand the world of the unknown on their own. Using the point-by-point method, a better understanding of the similarities and differences between these two works will be accomplished.

Setting

Mid-twentieth century Harlem, a time and place of racial injustice, poverty, and discrimination, is the setting chosen for the short story Sonny’s Blues (Baldwin, 1957). In the beginning of the story, Sonny and his family are trapped in the ghetto because of the color of their skin, showing readers that they are not in harmony. Due to the circumstances of this time, the protagonist Sonny has a very limited perspective on the world that he lives in. Because of the restrictions that society creates for people of color, Sonny goes down the wrong path and loses himself. Sonny’s brother explains, “Yet, when he smiled, when we shook hands, the baby brother I’d never known looked out from the depths of his private life, like an animal waiting to be coaxed into the light” (Baldwin, 1957, p. 189). Sonny’s brother explains that although society has imprisoned him, he is a prisoner in his private life as well. Because Sonny has spent the last few years encaged like an animal by society, he must realize what he needs to do to turn his life around and release himself from the restrictions created by the world that he is a part of.

Late-nineteenth century Norway, was not a place of racial injustice, but rather social injustice. Although this was a time where women were treated unfairly and had little to no say in things, the play begins with the characters being in harmony because it is Christmas time (Ibsen, 1879). This is a time that symbolizes family, birth, and sacrifice. Although this should be a time of rejoicing with family, Nora is trapped by the limitations her husband and society place on her. With no source of income because women were not allowed to work at this time, Nora faces obstacles on her own to overcome this tragic time. Her struggle is a reflection of the broader societal issues faced by women during that period.

Symbols

Music plays a big role in the way that Sonny alters his perspective on his life. To refrain from getting into trouble, Sonny chooses a path of becoming a musician to express himself in a way that society would not be able to put a limit on. Sonny’s brother explains Sonny’s passion for music when he says, “For, while the tale of how we suffer, and how we are delighted, and how we may triumph is never new, it always must be heard. There isn’t any other tale to tell, it’s the only light we’ve got in all this darkness” (Baldwin, 1957, p. 194). Sonny turns to music as a sign of redemption, to free him from all of his sins, and to experience true happiness, which gives the readers a sense of biblical reference. Sonny yearns for salvation and to rid his life of the community’s control. This musical journey is a metaphor for Sonny’s quest for identity and liberation.

Ibsen uses the symbol of a doll to enhance the readers’ perception of the protagonist Nora. Living in a home with a husband and three kids, Nora is expected to not work because that is considered a man’s duty. Her doll-like existence, being moved around from place to place by her husband, and previously her father, limits her from becoming an individual. This doll metaphor highlights the superficial nature of her role in the household and the lack of agency she possesses in her own life.

Characters

Nora, the wife of a somewhat wealthy man, experiences a sacrificial role filled with prejudice and discrimination due to gender. There are many instances where Nora experiences restrictions by the people in her life based solely on the fact that she is a woman. The first instance of discrimination is when Nora confronts Krogstad about a loan; he insists on getting a man’s signature. Although Nora incurred this debt, she is persistent and determined to have it paid back, even if she must conceal it from her husband. Nora explains her role in life when she says, “I have been performing tricks for you, Torvald. That's how I’ve survived. You wanted it like that. You and Papa have done me a great wrong. It’s because of you I’ve made nothing of my life” (Ibsen, 1879, p. 229), implying that society views men as the dominant partner in marriage. This shows the readers that Nora is aware of the way she has been living to please her husband but has not taken the time to achieve genuine happiness in her life. Standing up to societal prejudice views against women, Nora’s courage allows her to leave her husband and put an end to her doll-like living experience so that she could find herself. Nora sacrifices her family to save them from corrupting influences, choosing self-discovery and personal growth over societal expectations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both Sonny’s Blues by James Baldwin and A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen explore the theme of breaking free from societal constraints to achieve true happiness. Through their protagonists, these works highlight the struggles faced by individuals trapped by the expectations of society, whether due to race or gender. Both Sonny and Nora embark on journeys of self-discovery, symbolized through music and the metaphor of the doll, respectively, ultimately seeking liberation and fulfillment beyond the confines of their societal roles.

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