The Narrator of Sonny’s Blues mentions two darknesses, referring to the physical darkness of Harlem and the metaphorical darkness in people’s lives. Sonny and the Narrator’s lives have both been pretty dark, with Sonny being addicted to drugs and the Narrator’s daughter Grace dying young. A little while before the Narrator’s mother dies, she tells the Narrator about how his uncle died young and asks him to take care of his brother Sonny. Ever since that day the Narrator was afraid of where his brother Sonny’s life is heading, first with him becoming a musician, second when he found out his brother was addicted to heroin. The Narrator says that Sonny was always a bright and happy, albeit quiet, child, which contrasts with the darkness of his life now. This could also be referenced in his name, as ‘Sonny’ is very similar to ‘Sunny’ though this could just be coincidence.