Jacques Lacan affirmed: "We emphasize that such a form of communication is not absent in man, however evanescent a naturally given object may be for him, divided in its submission to symbols. .” However, throughout the short story "Sonny's Blues" by James Baldwin, symbols are used to describe the action of certain characters. When reading the story, it is evident that Sonny has a very strong love for music, especially jazz and blues. Music can heal, transform, restore memories and uplift a person. This is seen throughout the story. Sonny and his brother transformed while he and the band played. Additionally, the secondary source "Words and Music: Narrative Ambiguity in Sonny's Blues" by Keith Byerman supports music as a key element of the story. Symbolism is used to present a more vivid point to readers so that they can relate to the story. In my essay, I will analyze the short story “Sonny Blues” by James Baldwin with an emphasis on symbolism. James Baldwin began the story with the narrator reminiscing about his brother Sonny, while giving a lecture in his algebra class. Although the two of them didn't get along well when they lived together, Sonny's brother cared a lot about him, his safety, and how he would turn out in the near and uncertain future. Sonny to his brother had “always been a good boy, he never became harsh or mean or disrespectful, like other kids do, so quickly, so quickly, especially in Harlem” (Baldwin 76). After being away from his brother, the narrator was nervous about having to see his brother again after such a long period of separation. The narrator is always trying to make sure that Sonny is out of danger and happy. In other words, even though the brother... middle of paper ... what the narrator says was melting, represents that the shock and awe are apparently coming to an end and the flowing water is veins represent that something horrible has happened. Another summary of the ice cream symbol used by James Baldwin was when Sonny's childhood friend approached Sonny's brother and asked him if he had heard about Sonny's arrest or not. The friend tells Sonny's brother that Sonny will be released and sent to rehab, then will be cured and later released from rehab, then Sonny will go straight back to square one where he will start using drugs again. During this conversation, Sonny's brother smells ice cream. It is a feeling of horror and fear. This feeling of fear manifested itself in Sonny's brother as he now feels it was his responsibility to ensure Sonny was in the best of health and spirit..