For, whilethe tale of how we suffer, and how we are delighted, and howwe may triumph is never new, it always must be heard.
It’s troubling because it reminds us that suffering never disappears; people keep reliving pain through their own stories. The line suggests a cycle that’s hard to break.
Sonny's fingers filled the air with life, his life. But that lifecontained so many others.
It’s surprising how the narrator realizes that Sonny’s music expresses not only his own pain but the shared suffering of others. This shows a moment of understanding and connection between the brothers.
But now, abruptly, I hated him. I couldn't stand the way helooked at me, partly like a dog, partly like a cunning child. Iwanted to ask him what the hell he was doing in the schoolcourtyard.
Interesting because the narrator’s sudden hatred isn’t really about the boy but his own fear and guilt about Sonny, showing how deeply conflicted he feels inside.