The quest narrative is a common method of storytelling found in nearly all adventure stories in one form or another. A key feature that defines all mission narratives, regardless of type, is the search for a “Holy Grail” – symbolic of something the protagonist desires. In a quest narrative it is often appropriate to refer to the protagonist as the hero. However, despite the connotations of the word “hero” to mean a figure flawless in both form and character, the hero does not usually begin the story as a perfect figure; the hero must undergo a series of trials and tribulations from which he emerges as a changed character. It is this journey to achieve greatness that characterizes all quest narratives. James Baldwin's “Sonny's Blues” (1959) and James Joyce's “Araby” (1916) can both be interpreted as quest narratives because they each adhere to the archetype established by the quest narrative. For example, both stories have the symbolic Holy Grail that objectifies each protagonist's desires. Furthermore, in both texts there are examples of a test that changes the protagonist's perspective, allowing him to achieve fulfillment in completing his quest. In “Sonny's Blues” and “Araby” there is a “Holy Grail” – which plays the role of the older brother in “Sonny's Blues” and the girl in “Araby” – and a process that serves as the rebirth of the protagonist – death of the family the members of “Sonny's Blues” and the bazaar of “Araby”; these symbols make both texts narrative research. The Holy Grail in “Sonny's Blues” does not have a physical presence but rather is represented by a state of mind (being?); the purpose of the narrator's quest is to fulfill his role as Sonny's older brother. It is appropriate to designate Santo…… in the center of the sheet…… – making sure that both of these texts are research narratives. These characteristics of a quest narrative have been noted by many scholars and are present in almost all myths and fables. The hero of a quest narrative is a character many can identify with because, like all human beings, we do not start out flawlessly but gain experience through trials and hardships. It is quite clear why cultures pass down these quest narratives: they are inspiring and give hope. This resonates strongly in “Sonny's Blues” and “Araby,” making these lyrics timeless and allowing new generations to relate to these stories just as much as the old ones. Works Cited Baldwin, James. “Sonny's Blues”: Broadview's short story anthology. Julia Gaunce, Suzette Mayr: Braodview Press, 2005. Print.Joyce, James." Araby." Theory into practice. Ann B Dobie. Toronto: Nelson Thomson, 2002. Print.