Religion

Throughout the stories in the novel, religion is a primary theme. This theme ranges from those who hold true to their faith in times of crisis to those who denounce God in the face of tragedy. In "Sonny's Blues," Sonny admits he has turned from God, in that he sees that God has done him no favors. He even comes to dislike religious songs. His mother, on the other hand, continues to praise God, even following the untimely death of her husband. Sonny's brother, too, continues to hold true to God, as is shown through his religious linking of Sonny's drink to the trembling cup.

In "Redemption," Jack cannot force himself to believe in a God that would allow the tragedy that has befallen his family. On the other hand, his father bounces between extreme, desperate faith in God to save him from his sorrow to a denouncement...