Illusion can be defined as a distortion of the senses, of reality, and the perception of a dream world that consumes us. James Baldwin, author of the short story “Sonny's Blues,” uses the unique creativity of illusion to attract his readers. He uses several literary elements including characterization, plot, and setting to express his elaborate use of illusion in this story. Similarly, Nathaniel Hawthorne, author of the most controversial story “The Birthmark,” also uses illusion to draw attention to an almost magical environment of mystery and morality. Both of these authors use this theme in their works brilliantly, but in contrasting styles, which on the contrary make their works masterpieces in distorting the beauty and truth of the world. In the setting of “Sonny's Blues” the element of illusion is used to create above all a world of beauty, disease and horror. Baldwin uses the sense of sight in his work. Using colors of great difference to express to his readers their definition of what is good versus evil and light versus darkness. However it is much more, it offers its readers the opportunity to consider the truth. It features Sonny, a character who falls victim to subjectivity and prejudice. Making extraordinary use of illusion and color, Baldwin paints a picture and the character of Sonny is insulted in an almost angelic way. This theme is prevalent throughout the story and Baldwin's use of illusion really captures the truth in the story. He uses colors like yellow to indicate the disease of the streets and the drugs that consume them in the character of Sonny's friend. The color blue is the one often used in history but in different contrasts; the blue signifies the beauty of Sonny's conquest of his addiction... middle of the card... I wouldn't be able to relate or fabricate the magic behind the meanings. Authors use illusion in different ways, whether in the plot, the setting, or the characters themselves. Baldwin used color in the setting around his characters to represent the illusion that was created. Hawthorne uses the illusion of color in his characters to convey the message. Both authors have used the element of illusion in brilliant ways and have helped the reader gain an insight into the lives of these characters. Works Cited Baldwin, James. "Sonny's Blues" Norton's Introduction to Literature 10th ed. Booth, Alison &Mays, Kelly J. New York, London: WW Norton & Company, Inc., 2006. 75-101. Print Hawthorne, Nathaniel. "The Birthmark" Norton's Introduction to Literature 10th ed. Booth, Alison &Mays, Kelly J. New York, London: WW Norton & Company, Inc., 2006. 218-231. Press