ing in a steam bath" (Baldwin 614). Here the water is perspiration, and it symbolizes the hard work that the brother has put in his "straight" job. The sweat is a kind of release and a purification. Though it gives the uncomfortable sensation of a steam bath, there is the sense that he has soaked his fears out somewhat through his sweat.
When the brother hears about Sonny's heroin habit and the barmaid tells him "he'll never kick the habit," (Bal
JAMES BALDWIN'S "SONNY BLUES". (1969, December 31). In LotsofEssays.com. Retrieved 10:00, May 03, 2024, from https://www.lotsofessays.com/viewpaper/1686980.html