Sonny's Blues

Baldwin chooses to begin his story with the technique in media res, or “in the middle of things.” Why do you think Baldwin begins the story where he does? What impact is made on the balance of story events by beginning this way? What would change if he told the story in chronological order instead?

Teaching Suggestion: Before introducing this prompt, it might be helpful to plot out the story chronologically as a group. When students see the story chronologically, they might be in a better position to identify the impact of Baldwin’s use of in media res.