Throughout history, individuals have felt torn between adhering to established social norms and showing their individuality by speaking out against conformity. In “The Metamorphosis” by Franz Kafka and “Sonny's Blues” by James Baldwin, the two main characters, Gregor and Sonny, face many difficult events that contribute to the development of their identities. Ongoing conflicts between individuals' needs and social and family expectations can impact identity development. “Sonny’s Blues” is set in the mid-20th century. The action of the story takes place before the civil rights movement, during the dark days of segregation and so-called "separate but equal" housing in public institutions. Sonny and his brother grew up in a poor black neighborhood in Harlem, New York. Growing up during this time, societal expectations were very high due to the limited amount of work available to people of color. Parents wanted the best for their children, which included finishing school, finding a good job, and marrying a girl or boy of their descent. Without education and a goal to achieve, the majority of adolescents would most likely be their own enemy and take a dangerous path to their future. Parents would certainly try to prevent this outcome. In Sonny's case, what he wanted to do with his life went against what his family expected of him. “I’m going to be a musician” (Baldwin 133). Sonny had a passion for music, preferably jazz. Jazz music was common in Harlem then. His parents wanted him to follow in the footsteps of his older brother who, after returning from the army, got married, had children and found a good job as a math teacher. Wanting to become a musician was frowned upon...... middle of paper ... it's good. Gregor never asked for anything but you would think that because of everything he sacrificed, his family would look at him in a different way. Their lack of interest in him also played a crucial role in his transformation. "This metamorphosis recalls Gregor's complacency as a hypothetical self-punishment for the unrequited love of his family." (Naz 7) Sometimes we don't see it, but society and family are what make us who we are. , whether good or bad. Our identity is based solely on who we are as a person and what society makes of us, although different in many ways, have a lot in common when it comes to societal and family expectations. had no identity and lived his life according to his family's expectations. Sonny is stuck between wanting to live his life the way he wants and his family's expectations and societal norms..