Essay on William Faulkner “Barn Burning”

Title: Essay on William Faulkner “Barn Burning”

William Faulkner “Barn Burning”. William Faulkner’s “Barn Burning” is a short story that explores the complex relationships and moral dilemmas that arise in a family living in the post-Civil War South. The story follows the protagonist, Sarty Snopes, as he grapples with his loyalty to his family and his own sense of morality. Set against the backdrop of the Jim Crow era, “Barn Burning” offers a powerful critique of the social and economic injustices that plagued the South in the aftermath of the Civil War. The story begins with Sarty’s father, Abner Snopes, on trial for burning down a barn. The Snopes family is known for their reputation as “barn burners” and outcasts in their community. Abner is defended by a young lawyer, Mr. Harris, who accuses him of burning down the barn in an act of revenge. The Snopes family is forced to leave the town and find a new home. As the story progresses, it becomes clear that Abner’s criminal behavior is not limited to burning down barns. He is a violent and abusive man who takes out his frustrations on his family. Sarty, the youngest member of the family, struggles to reconcile his father’s actions with his own sense of morality. He is torn between his loyalty to his family and his own belief in what is right. Faulkner’s use of language and imagery is powerful in this story. He vividly describes the poverty and desperation of the Snopes family, and the harshness of life in the post-Civil War South. The description of the courthouse and the trial, in particular, is an evocative portrayal of the struggle for justice in a society that is deeply divided along racial and economic lines. One of the central themes of “Barn Burning” is the idea of loyalty. Sarty is torn between his loyalty to his family and his own sense of morality. He knows that what his father is doing is wrong, but he also feels a deep sense of duty to protect his family. In this way, Sarty’s struggle is symbolic of the larger struggle faced by many in the South during this time period. Another important theme in the story is the idea of justice. The Snopes family is clearly a marginalized group in their community, and the trial is an example of the legal system’s inability to provide justice for those who are on the margins. The fact that Abner is able to walk away from the trial without any consequences speaks to the deep injustice that was present in the post-Civil War South. Faulkner’s portrayal of the Snopes family is also an important commentary on the social and economic conditions of the South at this time. The Snopes family is poor, uneducated, and disenfranchised. They are seen as a threat to the established order, and their reputation as “barn burners” only serves to further marginalize them. Faulkner’s portrayal of the Snopes family is a powerful indictment of the social and economic inequality that plagued the South in the aftermath of the Civil War. The character of Abner Snopes is a particularly interesting study in the complexities of morality. On the one hand, he is a violent and abusive man who takes out his frustrations on his family. On the other hand, he is a victim of the social and economic conditions that existed in the South at this time. His actions are a direct result of his disenfranchisement and his sense of powerlessness. While this does not excuse his behavior, it does offer a nuanced understanding of the complex moral dilemmas that many faced during this time period. Sarty’s decision to betray his father and warn Major de Spain about the impending barn burning is a powerful moment in the story. It represents a turning point for Snopes, as he finally chooses to follow his own sense of morality over his loyalty to his family. This decision is not an easy one for Sarty, and Faulkner does a masterful job of conveying the emotional turmoil that he experiences. Sarty’s decision is also symbolic of the larger struggle for justice and morality in the South during this time period. The ending of “Barn Burning” is particularly powerful. Sarty leaves his family and strikes out on his own, determined to forge his own path and live by his own moral code. The final line of the story, “He did not look back,” is a poignant and evocative conclusion to a story that is filled with complex moral dilemmas and social commentary. Overall, “Barn Burning” is a powerful and thought-provoking work that offers a nuanced portrayal of the complexities of morality and social justice. Faulkner’s use of language and imagery is masterful, and his portrayal of the Snopes family is a powerful indictment of the social and economic inequality that plagued the South in the aftermath of the Civil War. The story is a reminder that the struggle for justice and morality is an ongoing one, and that the choices we make in the face of difficult circumstances can have a profound impact on our lives and the lives of those around us.