Barn Burning

A detailed Summary of Barn Burning

In “Barn Burning,” Faulkner incorporates several instances of irony. He utilizes this

literary tool in order to help the development of his characters and to express his ultimate

message to the readers. Some examples of his use of irony are the unintentional yet

inevitable ending of the Snopes family time after time, the similarities and differences

between Sarty Snopes and his father, and finally, the two distinct purposes for which

Abner Snopes uses fire. Separately, each is able to contribute to the development of the

two main characters in the short story. Collectively, they are also able to help Faulkner

convey his personal message that essentially, an individual’s sense of values comprises

The most obvious instance of irony is the uncanny fashion in which each endeavor

of the Snopes family concludes every time. To the reader’s knowledge, it is neither

wishes to live a life other than that of a vagabond with no real chance for happiness or

the hope that could have easily fallen into the footsteps of an overbearing father but

and son embrace reveal the true contrast between the two. Abner allows his emotions

the same outcome. Each struggle is exactly that, yielding the invariable, undesired result

Approximate Word count = 644
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

join now Save Paper

Saved Paper

Save your papers so you can locate them quickly!

"Thank You So Much!!! You have saved me once again!!!"
Jack M.
"With so many papers to chose from, I was able to get ideas to help me with all of my classes. Thank You!"
Brian P.
"I've used this site for the last 3 years to help me come up with ideas for my papers."
Sara J.
"I use this site every week to help me write my own papers!"
Rachel W.
"I love this site!!!"
Marie N.