Sonny's Blues

“Being in a family is like being in a play. Each birth order position is like a different part in a play, with distinct and separate characteristics for each part. Therefore, if one sibling has already filled a part, such as the good child, other siblings may feel they have to find other parts to play, such as rebellious child, academic child, athletic child, social child, and so on.” (Jane Nelson) My part, as eldest sibling, consists of the good child, academic child, mature child, and basically any type of child seen as a role model for younger siblings. Likewise, in James Baldwin’s short story, Sonny’s Blues, the narrator, who is the eldest, plays the role of the good child, responsible child, fatherly child and so forth, to his younger brother Sonny. When playing the part of the eldest sibling, family members expect the characteristics of each role to be held; however, the eldest sibling may find those expectations overwhelming and begin to question their place in the famil...