Sonny's Blues

In medias res is a Latin term used to describe a story that begins in the middle of the plot’s narrative chronology. The phrase literally translates to “in the middle of things.” This was a common literary device used in ancient epic literature, such as Homer’s Odyssey. Narrative works that begin in medias res often open on key plot events before exploring the characters’ history through flashbacks.

In “Sonny’s Blues” Baldwin uses this technique to draw the reader into the story and build suspense. The story begins with the narrator simply stating “I read about it in the paper” and describing his ensuing shock, without explaining what “it” refers to (17). After a few paragraphs, the narrator explains that what shocked him was reading about Sonny getting arrested for heroin possession. However, the reader does not learn that Sonny is the narrator’s brother until several pages later, when the narrator has a conversation with Sonny’s friend. The story then goes back in time to narrate the brothers’ relationship from childhood to the present. Baldwin’s usage of in medias res recreates the shock that the narrator experiences upon hearing of Sonny’s arrest.