Young Goodman Brown - Critical Analysis

Young Goodman Brown

Nathaniel Hawthorne had always believed that he came from a family of respectable, good men.  That was until he began to work at the Boston Custom House.  During his time there he uncovered information about his 16th Century Puritan ancestors.  He learned of the Salem Witch Trials and realized that his great-grandfather had actually been a judge during those trials.  Hawthorne was startled by this information; for the first time his family was not as pure as he had believed.  He was so moved by this discovery that he began to write more and more literature about the 16th Century Puritans.  In fact some (including myself) might even say that Young Goodman Brown is modeled after Hawthorne himself.

Nathaniel Hawthorne's Young Goodman Brown follows the story of a Puritan man's journey through "his forest of Faith."  Brown leaves his wife, cleverly named Faith, during the late hours of the night without telling her where he is off to.  As he ventures into the forest Brown meets a man who challenges Brown's perceptions about his family of "honest men and good Christians" (Hawthorne 19).  Brown is shocked by the appearance of so many respectable men and women in the forest.  He even begins to hear the voice of his wife, Faith.  The forest appears to be some sort of ceremony and Goodman Brown and Faith are in line to be converted.  This scene is too much for Goodman Brown to bear and immediately everything is gone.  Brown is unsure of what he's seen, but he has been permanently scared; his own family and respectable members of the community were sinners.  Brown is never the same "and when he had lived long, and was borne to his grave...they carved no hopeful verse upon his tombstone, for his dying hour was gloom" (Hawthorne 26).

Hawthorne employs foreshadowing early on in his work.  When the story begins Faith begs that Brown "put off [his] journey until sunrise and sleep in your own bed to-night" (Hawthorne 18).  Brown continues anyway, but not without feeling guilty.  He says "Poor little Faith! ... What a wretch am I to leave her on such an errand ... as she spoke there was trouble in her face, as if a dream had warned her what work is to be done tonight" (Hawthorne 18).  But Hawthorne's guilt doesn't stop there, he tells the man in the forest that the path they are taking is "Too far! Too Far! ... My father never went into the woods on such an errand... shall I be the first of the name of Brown that ever took this path and kept?" (Hawthorne 19).  All these events foreshadow that some "evil" must lie in the forest, but no one, not even Goodman Brown, seems to be ready for what truly awaits.

Contrasting images of darkness and light are littered through Hawthorne’s piece.  Hawthorne describes the road to the forest as "a dreary road, darkened by the gloomiest trees of the forest, which barely stood aside to let the narrow path creep through, and closed immediately behind" (Hawthorne 18).  The main sins occur in the forest at night, and the revelations come in the morning.  He also incorporate allusions to the garden of Eden and themes of temptation when describing the stranger in the forest as "an elder person... but the only thing about him that could be fixed upon as remarkable was his staff, which bore the likeliness of a great black snake, so curiously wrought that it might almost be seen to twist and wriggle itself like a living serpent.  This, of course, must have been an ocular deception, assisted by the uncertain light" (Hawthorne 19).  Goodman Brown at this moment knows little of the staffs amazing powers.  Brown can be related to Eve who was questioned by the serpent about why she did not eat from the tree.  Similar to why Brown does not want to venture into the forest. 

The names, themselves, are symbolic of the person they represent in this story.  Young Goodman Brown is literally a young man who believes he is a good man by the name of Brown.  It is only fitting that he is the man who dies from disbelief.  The lack of good within his own name and that of his fellow members is disheartening for him, so much that he is never the same.  It is also fitting that Goodman Brown chose a wife named Faith.  Faith literally does represent Faith.  As Goodman Brown ventures farther from his wife Faith, he feels he is losing his faith not only to her, but also to his values.  Hawthorne takes full advantage of Faith's name when Brown explains that he is late because "Faith kept me back a while."  Faith's appearance is also a symbol.  She is first introduced as a beautiful woman "with pink ribbons on her cap" (Hawthorne 18).  Hawthorne explicitly mentions the "the head of Faith, with the pink ribbons, gazing anxiously forth, and bursting into such joy... But Goodman Brown looked sternly and sadly into her face, and passing on without a greeting" (Hawthorne 26). In the end the ribbons come back to him, but it might be a little too late.  He's lost faith in himself, his wife, and all those around him.

What Time is It? – A Sociological Criticism - Final

Paaras Chand

Professor Knapp

English 1B

26 March 2011

What Time is It? – A Sociological Criticism

The Flowers by Dagoberto Gilb follows the life of Sonny Bravo, a young man growing up with a new family in racially tense South Central Los Angeles. Sonny is exposed to all sorts of people who all share different views about themselves and others. There are discrepancies regarding the setting's time period (60's or 90's), but that might just be the greatest jewel of Gilb's story; it could take place even today and still share the same message. Through the lens of the sociological perspective, Sonny's story highlights the issues between several ethnic groups, current social trends and values, and how they affect a growing man.

Sonny's new stepfather, Cloyd Longpre, fits the “classical man” archetype -- he provides for his family, ventures into the wild, and maintains a strong stature. He values “killing things”, “loves sports”, and even “got [himself] married to a pretty little Mexican gal” (23, 27, 59). He comes from a world where the man has complete power over his family, and any violation of this strict “balance of power” is insulting. A family, through Cloyd’s eyes, should be comprised of a loving wife who takes care of the home, and a son who respects his father as a role model. The only problem is that his new family doesn’t exactly follow his definition. Silvia, Cloyd’s new wife, “doesn’t know how to cook” nor is “she ever at home;” always “shopping.”  Sonny doesn’t respect Cloyd’s hunting “trophies” nor does he “want to play sports” (89, 26). At first Cloyd doesn’t take action on these upsetting issues, but as the story progresses he begins to lose his patience. When Sonny responds to Cloyd with “man” he shouts “don’t call me man! [Respond with sir]” (67). Silvia’s late night shopping sparks such rage within Cloyd that he “punch[es] a hole through the wall” (79).

As owner of The Flowers apartment complex, Cloyd’s always had his way, and with certain issues he is dedicated to keeping his way.  Cloyd is a white man in Los Angeles and despises African Americans. When news leaks that Pink, a “white” (or even albino) man, may be sharing his room with a black man, Cloyd yells “this is my goddamn building and I can do whatever I want…I don’t want any of them here … and I’ll be sure they won’t be.” (157). Cloyd is determined to run business his way, regardless of what the current laws may state. Cloyd is the first extreme racist to enter into Sonny’s life, but he is not alone. Bud, an ex-cop and close friend to Cloyd, feels the same way about black men. Others in Sonny’s life may not share the same reaction toward black men as Cloyd, but they are definitely affected by the presence of black men such as Mr. Zuniga who “never before talked to anyone …[but now] started a conversation with a man at a table …[while] the whole restaurant watched the two black men” (172).  Throughout the story Sonny meets people of just about every race in South Central Los Angeles, but very few of these races live with one another. Even in a story placed in a semi-modern time, the city is very racially segregated; Mexicans prefer to live with Mexicans, Whites with Whites, and Blacks with Blacks. Cloyd has become accustomed to living with Mexicans because “they don’t cause any trouble,” but still doesn’t “want any of them [African Americans] here” (158).

Sonny, Nica, Mike, and Joe are all Mexican, yet Sonny is different from all of them. The twins and Nica are both ashamed of their Mexican heritage, while Sonny is indifferent toward it – in fact, he’s actually proud of it. Nica often complains about how her “name is so Mexican… [Unlike] Carmen” (138). The twins often talk about how they are of Mexican heritage but they “are not [those type of] Mexicans” (129). But Sonny loves “Nica’s name,” “Mexican hamburgers,” and even “Mexican soap operas” (89, 170, 150). This is a recurring aspect of Sonny – he doesn’t conform to the racist views around him. At Mr. Zuniga’s restaurant he talked to the black men, even “helping them order Mexican Hamburgers” and he has no problem accepting the fact that Pink might even be black (198). He contrasts with those around him unlike any of the others have been able to do, yet he is by no means a perfect character. He represents innocence and acceptance in a world that is marked with prejudice.

Silvia, Sonny’s mother and Cloyd’s wife, is never home; she’s always shopping. Her long absences aren’t just noticed by Cloyd, but also others like Bud and Mary. None of the characters know where Silvia spends her “shopping time,” but none of them believe she’s actually “shopping.” When Bud asks “where are you off too [he gets] … a shut door [in response]” (210). Sonny believes his mother may be spending time with her friend, Nelly, because “she smelled of alcohol and cigarettes” (229). While Bud and Cloyd are suspicious about Silvia’s actions, Sonny isn’t bothered by the fact that she’s out all the time, in fact he’s kind of relieved by her “shopping.” Throughout the story Sonny’s described other moms as “fat…lazy, the type that cook and watch TV all day” and he’s always contrasted that image with how “always pretty [she was today] …going shopping with her friend …to the beauty parlor” (98).  In fact, he was actually worried when he began to notice his mom “started watching TV…being in the kitchen…things she never used to do” (87). Perhaps Silvia goes shopping to get away from the chains that Cloyd places on her “like an owl … a trophy for others to see” (198). “Shopping” is Silvia’s only way to get out of the house and this may reflect her true feelings regarding Cloyd. Sonny’s always doubted she loved Cloyd, saying “[he] can’t believe my mom married this dude” (89). Silvia’s not like the other females in the story; she doesn’t conform to the social norms of this time period.  A woman is painted as a figure which stays at home while her husband provides for her and her family. However Silvia is always shopping; spending money which she doesn’t even make anymore. The other women such as Mary look up to Silvia not only because she is a very “beautiful woman” but also because she’s not afraid to go against Cloyd and do things he wouldn’t approve of. Silvia and Sonny are quite similar; they don’t conform to the current trends and social values.

Riots are nothing new for Los Angeles, but they symbolize more than just intense feelings – they symbolize social change. As the riots began Silvia begins to show her motherly side toward Sonny when “Bud [takes] down both of [them]. Pinning [them] to the floor… [Silvia] repeat[s] “I won’t let you go!” (240). Of Ironically she leaves right after Bud is gone, but still begs for Sonny to “not do anything until [she] come[s] back” (241). Upon news of the Bud incident, Cloyd begins to show part of his fatherly side as well, even apologizing to Sonny for Bud’s actions; “It shouldn’t have happened and I’m sorry…You don’t have to call me sir” (243).  It’s interesting to note that when there was only speculation of black men living in the apartment, Cloyd boasted about how he “would make sure they didn’t come to my goddamn building” (145). But as the riots began to envelope his own apartment room, he hides behind a door with rifles in his hand.  Sonny doesn’t share the moment of crisis with his new family, he runs to save Nica from the patriarchal kingdom of her father. When he finally gets Nica to the “bus station…[he says] I can’t go with you;” he did what was best for her (249).

Sonny is an odd hero; sometimes he can be a criminal, sometimes he can be a criminal, and sometimes he can even be confused. He feels like a young friend; caring, yet quite likely to make many mistakes. He’s had his shares of experiences; seeing random colors, becoming too angry at times, and even showing unusual emotions. But all of this may have been due to the hard atmosphere of South Central Los Angeles. Perhaps his experience with his past, family, and loss of friends has hardened him into dealing with the problems he faces. This story may have revolved around the social tensions of blacks and whites, but the message is timeless – replace the prejudice with something else and it can happen right here. It’s a story about humans – and humans react in strange ways.

Works Cited

Gilb, Dagoberto. The Flowers. New York: Grove, 2008. Print. 

What Time Is It? - Second Draft

Paaras Chand

Professor Knapp

English 1B

14 March 2011

What Time is It? – A Sociological Criticism

The Flowers by Dagoberto Gilb follows the life of Sonny Bravo, a young man growing up with a new family in racially tense South Central Los Angeles. Sonny is exposed to all sorts of people who all share different views about themselves and others. There are discrepancies regarding the setting's time period (60's or 90's), but that might just be the greatest jewel of Gilb's story; it could take place even today and still share the same message. Through the lens of the sociological perspective Sonny's story highlights the issues between several ethnic groups, current social trends and values, and how they affect a growing man.

Sonny's new stepfather, Cloyd Longpre, is the classical "man" -- he provides for his family, ventures into the wild, and maintains a strong stature. He values "killing things", "loves sports", and even "got [himself] married to a pretty little Mexican gal” (23, 27, 59). He comes from a world where the man has complete power over his family, and any violation of this strict “balance of power” is outrageous. The only problem is that his new family doesn’t exactly follow his vision of the perfect family. Silvia, Cloyd’s new wife, “doesn’t know how to cook” nor is “she ever at home;" always “shopping.”  Sonny doesn’t respect Cloyd’s hunting “trophies” nor does he “want to play sports” (89, 26). At first Cloyd doesn’t take action on these upsetting issues, but as the story progresses he begins to show his true feelings toward both Sonny and his mother. When Sonny responds to Cloyd with “man” he shouts “don’t call me man! [Respond with sir]” (67). Silvia’s late night shopping sparks such rage within Cloyd that he “punch[es] a hole through the wall” (79).

As owner of The Flowers apartment complex, Cloyd’s always had his way, and with certain issues he is dedicated to keeping his way. When news leaks that Pink may be rooming with a black man Cloyd yells “this is my goddamn building and I can do whatever I want…I don’t want any of them here … and I’ll be sure they won’t be.” (157). Cloyd is determined to run business his way, regardless of what the current laws may state. Cloyd is the first extreme racist to enter into Sonny’s life, but he is not alone. Bud, an ex-cop and close friend to Cloyd, feels the same way about black men. Others in Sonny’s life may not share the same reaction toward black men as Cloyd, but they are affected by the presence of black men such as Mr. Zuniga who “never before talked to anyone …[but now] started a conversation with a man at a table …[while] the whole restaurant watched the two black men” (172).  Throughout the story Sonny meets people of just about every race in South Central Los Angeles, but very few of these races live with one another. Even in a story placed in a semi-modern time, the city is very racially segregated. Mexicans prefer to live with Mexicans, Whites with Whites, and Blacks with Blacks. Though some change is acceptable (such as living with Mexicans for Cloyd) any big movement would result in controversy.

Sonny, Nica, and the twins are all Mexican, yet Sonny is different from all of them. The twins and Nica are both ashamed of their Mexican heritage. Nica often complains about how her “name is so Mexican… [Unlike] Carmen” (138). And the twins often talk about how they are of Mexican heritage but they “are not [those type of] Mexicans” (129). But Sonny isn’t ashamed of his Mexican ancestry; he is actually proud of it. He loves “Nica’s name,” “Mexican hamburgers,” and even “Mexican soap operas” (89, 170, 150). This is a recurring aspect of Sonny – he doesn’t conform to the racist views around him. At Mr. Zuniga’s restaurant he talked to the black men, even “helping them order Mexican Hamburgers” and he has no problem accepting the fact that Pink might even be black. He contrasts with those around him unlike any of the others have been able to do, yet he is by no means a perfect character. He represents innocence and acceptance in a world that is marked with prejudice.

Silvia, Sonny’s mother and Cloyd’s wife, is never home; she’s always shopping. Her long absences aren’t just noticed by Cloyd, but also others like Bud and Mary. Bud even goes as far as to confronting her by asking “Where are you off to?” and receiving a “shut door” in response” (201). Sonny also seems to doubt where she’s going, but received a similar response when he tried to confront her. But Sonny isn’t bothered by the fact that she’s out all the time, in fact he’s kind of relieved by her “shopping.” Throughout the story Sonny’s described other moms as “fat…lazy, the type that cook and watch TV all day” and he’s always contrasted that image with how “always pretty [she was today] …going shopping with her friend …to the beauty parlor” (98).  Sonny was actually worried when he began to notice his mom “started watching TV…being in the kitchen…things she never used to do” (87). Perhaps Silvia goes shopping to get away from the chains that Cloyd places on her “like an owl … a trophy for others to see” (198). “Shopping” is Silvia’s only way to get out of the house and it may show her true feelings for Cloyd. Sonny’s always doubted she loved Cloyd, saying “[he] can’t believe my mom married this dude” (89). Silvia’s not like the other females in this story and her strength in moving away from the norms of the time give a glimpse into just what social conditions are like in South Central Los Angeles. Silvia’s actions aren’t just unusual, they go against the social values of the time. A woman is painted as a figure which stays at home while her husband provides for her and her family. However Silvia is always shopping; spending money which she doesn’t even make anymore. The other women such as Mary look up to Silvia not only because she is a very “beautiful woman” but also because she’s not afraid to go against Cloyd and do things he wouldn’t approve of. Silvia and Sonny are the ones that have been able to stand in front of Cloyd and not agree with his views on African Americans.

Moments of crisis bring out sides of people which are usually hiden in everyday life. As the riots begin Silvia begins to show her motherly side toward Sonny when “Bud [takes] down both of [them]. Pinning [them] to the floor…[Silvia] repeating “I won’t let you go!” (240). Of course, she leaves right after Bud is gone, but still begs for Sonny to “not do anything until I come back” (241). Upon news of the Bud incident Cloyd begins to show part of his fatherly side as well, even appologizing to Sonny for Bud’s actions; “It shouldn’t have happened and I’m sorry…You don’t have to call me sir” (243).  It’s interesting to note that when there was only speculation of black men Cloyd boasted about how he “would make sure they didn’t come to my goddamn building” but as the riots begin to envelope his own apartment complex, he hides behind a door with rifles in his hand. But Sonny doesn’t share the moment of crisis with his new family, he runs to save Nica from the patriarchal kingdom of her father. When he finally gets Nica to the “bus station…[he says] I can’t go with you;” he did what was best for her (249).

Sonny is an odd hero; at times he does very sinful things, but at other times he does very remarkable things. He feels like a young friend; caring yet quite likely to make may mistakes. He’s had his shares of experiences; seeing random colors, becoming too angry at times, and even showing unusual emotions. But all of this may have been due to this very different setting. Perhaps his experience with his past family and loss of friends has hardened him into dealing with the problems he faces. The setting may have affected whether it was blacks versus whites, but this story is timeless – replace the prejudice with something else and it can happen right here. It’s a story about humans and humans react in strange ways.

Rough Draft - What Time is It? – A Sociological Criticism

Paaras Chand

Professor Knapp

English 1B

7 March 2011

What Time is It? – A Sociological Criticism

Rough Draft

The Flowers by Dagoberto Gilb follows the life of Sonny Bravo, a young man growing up with a new family in racially tense South Central Los Angeles. Sonny is exposed to all sorts of people who all share different views about themselves and others. There are discrepancies regarding the setting's time period (60's or 90's), but that might just be the greatest jewel of Gilb's story; it could take place even today and still share the same message. Through the lens of the sociological perspective Sonny's story highlights the issues between several ethnic groups, current social trends and values, and how they affect a growing man.

Sonny's new stepfather, Cloyd Longpre, is the classical "man" -- he provides for his family, ventures into the wild, and maintains a strong stature. He values "killing things", "loves sports", and even "got [himself] married to a pretty little Mexican gal” (23, 27, 59). The only problem is that his new family doesn’t exactly follow his vision of the perfect family. Silvia, Cloyd’s new wife, “doesn’t know how to cook” nor is “she ever at home;" always “shopping.”  Sonny doesn’t respect Cloyd’s hunting “trophies” nor does he “want to play sports” (89, 26). At first Cloyd doesn’t take action on these upsetting issues, but as the story progresses he begins to show his true feelings toward both Sonny and his mother. When Sonny responds to Cloyd with “man” he shouts “don’t call me man! [Respond with sir]” (67). Silvia’s late night shopping sparks such rage within Cloyd that he “punch[es] a hole through the wall” (79).

As owner of The Flowers apartment complex, Cloyd’s always had his way, and with certain issues he is dedicated to keeping his way. When news leaks that Pink may be rooming with a black man Cloyd yells “this is my goddamn building and I can do whatever I want…I don’t want any of them here … and I’ll be sure they won’t be.” (157). Cloyd is determined to run business his way, regardless of what the current laws may state. Cloyd is the first extreme racist to enter into Sonny’s life, but he is not alone. Bud, an ex-cop and close friend to Cloyd, feels the same way about black men. Others in Sonny’s life may not share the same reaction toward black men as Cloyd, but they are affected by the presence of black men such as Mr. Zuniga who “never before talked to anyone …[but now] started a conversation with a man at a table …[while] the whole restaurant watched the two black men” (172). This racist viewpoint toward black man may be due to the fact that the story takes place in a city with so much black crime or due to the civil rights issues of the time, but racism against African Americans is not a thing of the past, it still exists in subtle ways such as Mr. Zuniga’s.

Sonny, Nica, and the twins are all Mexican, yet Sonny is different from all of them. The twins and Nica are both ashamed of their Mexican heritage. Nica often complains about how her “name is so Mexican… [Unlike] Carmen” (138). And the twins often talk about how they are of Mexican heritage but they “are not [those type of] Mexicans” (129). But Sonny isn’t ashamed of his Mexican ancestry; he is actually proud of it. He loves “Nica’s name,” “Mexican hamburgers,” and even “Mexican soap operas” (89, 170, 150). This is a recurring aspect of Sonny – he doesn’t conform to the racist views around him. At Mr. Zuniga’s restaurant he talked to the black men, even “helping them order Mexican Hamburgers” and he has no problem accepting the fact that Pink might even be black. He contrasts with those around him unlike any of the others have been able to do, yet he is by no means a perfect character. He represents innocence and acceptance in a world that is marked with prejudice.

Silvia, Sonny’s mother and Cloyd’s wife, is never home; she’s always shopping. Her long absences aren’t just noticed by Cloyd, but also others like Bud and Mary. Bud even goes as far as to confronting her by asking “Where are you off to?” and receiving a “shut door” in response” (201). Sonny also seems to doubt where she’s going, but received a similar response when he tried to confront her. But Sonny isn’t bothered by the fact that she’s out all the time, in fact he’s kind of relieved by her “shopping.” Throughout the story Sonny’s described other moms as “fat…lazy, the type that cook and watch TV all day” and he’s always contrasted that image with how “always pretty [she was today] …going shopping with her friend …to the beauty parlor” (98).  Sonny was actually worried when he began to notice his mom “started watching TV…being in the kitchen…things she never used to do” (87). Perhaps Silvia goes shopping to get away from the chains that Cloyd places on her “like an owl … a trophy for others to see” (198). “Shopping” is Silvia’s only way to get out of the house and it may show her true feelings for Cloyd. Sonny’s always doubted she loved Cloyd, saying “[he] can’t believe my mom married this dude” (89). Silvia’s not like the other females in this story and her strength in moving away from the norms of the time give a glimpse into just what social conditions are like in South Central Los Angeles.

Sonny, himself, has experienced the greatest change in this new environment. He’s never been as aggressive, committed as much theft, nor studied as hard as he is doing now. Sonny is an odd hero; at times he does very sinful things, but at other times he does very remarkable things. He feels like a young friend; caring yet quite likely to make may mistakes. He’s had his shares of experiences; seeing random colors, becoming too angry at times, and even showing unusual emotions. But all of this may have been due to this very different setting. Perhaps his experience with his past family and loss of friends has hardened him into dealing with the problems he faces. In some ways he’s become more aggressive; taking money from a stranger and even beating him. In others he’s shown he’s a caring guy; not conforming to the racist prejudice all around him. The setting may have affected whether it was blacks versus whites, but this story is timeless – replace the prejudice with something else and it can happen right here. It’s a story about humans and humans react in strange ways.

What Time Is It? - A Sociological Criticism

Sonny’s experienced a lot during his time at The Flowers, but perhaps the biggest aspect of Sonny’s life is also the most vague.  Sonny lives in South Central Los Angeles during a very delicate and changing time period.  The story highlights the issues between several ethnic groups (racial tensions) and current social values, and how they effect a growing young man. At times it seems as if the story could have taken place during the 90’s, at other times it seems to be set during the 60’s, and sometimes it could even have taken place today. But that might just be the beauty of the story -- you don’t when it took place -- it’s timeless.

Cloyd values himself as a “man” -- he provides for his family, ventures into the wild, and maintains a strong stature. He lives in a world where he expects to have a beautiful wife who cooks, cleans, and idolizes her husband. Cloyd comes from a world where the perfect son “loves sports” and responds with “yes, sir.” He’s always been the man in the house; a man who holds all the power. As owner of The Flowers apartment complex he feels he has the power to do anything, including discriminating against blacks.

Cloyd is just one of the characters that Sonny is affected by in his new home, but what creates Cloyd, and the other people around him? They are not simply average characters; they are characters that are created by the setting. Had Cloyd not lived in a town with so much black crime, would he have not been a racist?  I’d like to answer this and many similar questions using Sociological Criticism.

Sonny, himself, has experienced the greatest change in this new environment. He’s never been as aggressive, committed as much theft, nor studied as hard as he is doing now. Regardless of the current times and issues, he isn’t disgusted by black men like Bud or Cloyd. In fact he actually likes to communicate with them. He’s also not ashamed of the fact that he is Mexican like the twins and Nica; he actually likes it. Sonny doesn’t conform to the social standards of his time; he contrasts with them unlike any other character. Is this because of where he lives and what he’s experienced? Or is he a symbol of the changing times?

Sonny is an odd hero; at times he does very sinful things, but at other times he does very remarkable things. He feels like a young friend; caring yet quite likely to make may mistakes. I was always bothered by his random bursts of anger, but now that I’ve started to divulge into the sociological critique’s perspective I’m beginning to understand his anger. It may even be the key to understanding his setting, the people around him, and the changing problems. But the more I consider the sociological perspective of the novel, the more I’m reminded that this isn’t a story which had to take place during the LA Riots, Watts Riots, or any riot at all. This setting and environment can be replicated anywhere. The issues may not concern Blacks, Mexicans, or Whites, but the fundamental characters of Cloyd, Pink, and Sonny will always be there -- it’s simply human.