The mother in “Sonny’s Blues” is portrayed as a saint-like figure who tries to guard and protect her children and husband from the darkness of the world. She shepherds her husband through the overwhelming grief that follows his brother’s death. She lived up to overcome the biblical challenge. She has lived a decent life.
She helped to bear her husband’s tragedy as her own. Same as Jesus is often depicted as a shepherd, Sonny’s mother's presence makes her husband’s life manageable. Her life story is a direct challenge to the narrator.
In addition to her compassion, the mother also has played a prophetic role to play in the narrative. She can see her impending death and the dangers her youngest son will face eventually. As a mother, she has protected her family but now that she gets to know that she is going to die, she knows she will no longer be able to guide and protect her family the way she did earlier.
Sonny’s mother tried her best to complete the whole family by guarding them. She tried her best to protect her family from the evils of the worlds just like a wall which is being painted by painters to protect the walls.
