Overview
"Barn Burning" by William Faulkner explores the moral conflict of a young boy, Sarty, as he grapples with loyalty to his father and his own sense of justice in rural 19th-century America.
Plot Summary and Setting
- The story centers on Sarty Snopes, whose father, Abner, repeatedly burns barns out of spite against employers.
- Set in rural America at the end of the 19th century, the narrative spans several days in the Snopes family's life.
- The story begins with Abner on trial for arson, with Sarty called to testify.
Character Development: Sarty
- Sarty initially feels deep loyalty to his father, even considering lying in court to protect him.
- He repeatedly hopes that his father will change and stops committing crimes.
- Gradually, Sarty becomes disillusioned as Abner continues his destructive behavior despite being given chances by others.
- Ultimately, Sarty bravely chooses to warn Major de Spain of his father’s plan, prioritizing justice over family loyalty.
Themes and Moral Dilemmas
- The central theme is the conflict between family loyalty and moral integrity.
- Sarty’s journey reflects the struggle to balance empathy and hope with the necessity for decisive action.
- The story illustrates how selfishness and disregard for others can corrupt individuals and harm those closest to them.
Abner Snopes: Character Analysis
- Abner is depicted as emotionally detached, egocentric, and unrepentant, even after being given leniency.
- His war experience is shown as purely self-serving, highlighting his lack of morals.
- Abner’s independence is portrayed as destructive rather than admirable.
Symbolism and Imagery
- Fire serves as a key symbol, representing Abner’s control at home (small fires) versus his vengeful outbursts (large barn fires).
- The contrast in fire size highlights Abner’s minimal investment in his family versus his zeal for revenge.
Key Takeaways
- The narrative examines the painful necessity of choosing moral action over loyalty to loved ones.
- It demonstrates that hope and empathy can be exhausted, sometimes requiring difficult, final choices.
- Imagery and symbolism enrich the reader’s understanding of the characters’ experiences and inner conflicts.