Theme Throughout BARN BURNING

A detailed Summary of Theme Throughout BARN BURNING

Theme Throughout "Barn Burning"

The Post-Civil War brought about many conflicts. Not only was there a distinct separation between the Confederates and the Union, but between social classes, race and families as well. "Barn Burning", written by William Faulkner, includes all of these conflicts and more in a story about a small family struggling though life as sharecroppers during the reconstruction of the Post-Civil War. Unfortunately, the leader of the Snopes family, Abner, is an enraged father who burns barns to let out his aggression. His youngest son, Sarty, blindly sees him as a trustworthy and loving person, but slowly Sarty's inner thoughts begin to speak louder each time his father does something immoral. Eventually, when a forever life-altering situation arises, Sarty must choose between his dishonest family and a life of altruism. In "Barn Burning" William Faulkner reveals that one must choose the moral and righteous path to live a happy healthy life, even if it means sacrificing the opinion of one's family.

Adolescence is a confusing time in life when choosing a role model is difficult and critical to one's future. At the onset of the story, Sarty is exposed to the reader as a boy w

"Barn Burning" by William Faulkner was a remarkable story that reveals just how important it is to do the right thing and follow one's instinct, even if it means giving up those who are close to one. Sarty's father is a bad person, who uses others to get what he wants and has no remorse for his actions. He does not want to be like Abner, and deep inside he knows he is not like him. Pressures from his family, especially his father, sway Sarty from accomplishing his beliefs, but in the end, he realizes that he must follow his own path and be an honest person in order to live a happy life.

Faulkner, William. "Barn Burning". Literature Reading, Reacting, Writing. Bill

In addition to the pressures of choosing the right role model during childhood, one must also face the pressures of parents to do things their way. Sarty is taught to blindly abide by his father's ideas and actions from his father, Abner. After striking Sarty for almost telling the court the truth about him burning the barn, Abner tells him: "You're getting to be a man. You got to learn. You got to stick to your own blood or you ain't going to have any blood to stick to" [SIC] (229). It is obvious why Sarty feels obligated to lie for his father because he did not tell the truth even when he wanted to. Violence and threats can scare anyone into doing the wrong thing, especially if that person is young and impressionable like Sarty. However, fear is not the only reason why Sarty chooses to go along with Abner's actions; he respects him and looks up to him as well. "He was brave! He was! He was in the war! He was Colonel in Sartoris' cav'ry!" [SIC] (239). To a young boy, those who fought or fight in a war are heroes; people who defend their country are the epitome of honor and pride to them. Knowing that Abner fought in the Civil War is a comfort for Sarty, an excuse for why he obeys his commands. Irony lies in the fact that the reader knows Abner was not a great Colonel. He stole from others and took no authority when he was in battle. Yet, it may be beneficial for Sarty to believe his father wa

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Approximate Word count = 1407
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English