comes openly honest only as he finishes the cigarette: "’Maybe he'll even think he's kicked the habit. Then they'll let him loose’ -- he gestured, throwing his cigarette into the gutter. ‘That's all.’" (77). With that disposable gesture, it is as if the boy is either able to or can't help telling the painful truth. Baldwin's narrator, feeling his mother's burden of protector and keeper of his little brother, seems to have always utilized this strategic and subliminal defense mechanism. As the reminiscent order of the narrative shows, this is a device that has been used by Sonny and his older brother throughout their relationship. Following the death of their mother, the first time that the older brother must act out her request, the conversation between him and Sonny is punctuated by the lighting and smoking of cigarettes. Beginning openly and honestly, the brothers discuss Sonny's future plans. When Sonny suggests that he dreams of being a musician, tension is created between the two. The narrator, feeling that his authority is being questioned and threatened, displays a tone of condescension, imploring Sonny to "Be serious". He further preaches to his defensive little brother: "Well, you may think it's funny now, baby, but it's not going to be so funny when you have to make your living at it, let me tell you that" (84). His lack of understanding and parental chiding increase the unease between them, and, almost as if on cue, the cigarettes appear.At Sonny's mention of one of his favorite Jazz musicians, his older brother is bemused and lights a cigarette while smugly quipping, " 'You'll have to be patient with me. Now. Who's this Parker character?' 'He's just one of the greatest jazz musicians alive,' said Sonny, sullenly, his hands in his pockets, his back to [the narrator]" (85). As the narrator creates his protective screen, behind which he is able to dole out authoritarian advice, Sonny further distances hi...
