William Faulkner’s “Barn Burning” is a short story that explores themes of loyalty, family, and justice. The story follows the struggles of a young boy named Sarty as he grapples with his father’s destructive behavior and his own sense of morality. In this literary analysis, we will delve deeper into the story’s symbolism, themes, and characters to uncover the deeper meaning behind Faulkner’s masterpiece.
Themes in Barn Burning
One of the central themes in William Faulkner’s “Barn Burning” is the conflict between loyalty and morality. The protagonist, Sarty, is torn between his loyalty to his father, who is a serial arsonist, and his own sense of right and wrong. Throughout the story, Sarty struggles to reconcile his love for his family with the knowledge that their actions are harmful and illegal. This theme is further explored through the character of Abner Snopes, Sarty’s father, who is fiercely loyal to his own sense of pride and honor, even if it means destroying the property of others. The tension between loyalty and morality is a recurring theme in Faulkner’s work, and “Barn Burning” is no exception.
Character Analysis of Abner Snopes
Abner Snopes is a complex character in William Faulkner’s “Barn Burning.” He is a poor tenant farmer who is constantly at odds with the law and society. Abner is a man who is driven by his own sense of pride and honor, which often leads him to make questionable decisions. He is a man who is willing to do whatever it takes to protect his family, even if it means breaking the law. Abner is a man who is deeply rooted in his own beliefs and values, which often clash with those of the society around him. He is a man who is both a victim and a perpetrator, a man who is both sympathetic and repulsive. Faulkner’s portrayal of Abner Snopes is a masterful study of a complex and conflicted character, and it is one of the many reasons why “Barn Burning” remains a classic of American literature.
Symbolism in Barn Burning
Symbolism in Barn Burning is a crucial aspect of the story. Faulkner uses various symbols to convey the themes of the story. One of the most prominent symbols is fire. Fire is a recurring symbol throughout the story, and it represents both destruction and rebirth. The fire that Abner Snopes sets to burn down the barns of his enemies is a symbol of his anger and desire for revenge. However, fire also represents the potential for new beginnings. Sarty, the protagonist, sees the fire as a way to escape his father’s destructive behavior and start a new life. Another symbol in the story is the rug. The rug represents the Snopes family’s desire for respectability and acceptance in society. Abner’s obsession with the rug and his refusal to let anyone walk on it symbolizes his need to maintain his family’s dignity. However, the rug also represents the family’s poverty and their inability to afford a better life. Faulkner’s use of symbolism in Barn Burning adds depth and complexity to the story, making it a timeless piece of literature.
Setting and Atmosphere in Barn Burning
The setting and atmosphere in William Faulkner’s “Barn Burning” play a crucial role in the story’s development. The story is set in the post-Civil War South, where the social and economic conditions were harsh for the poor white farmers. The story’s protagonist, Abner Snopes, is a sharecropper who is constantly on the move, looking for work and a place to live. The story’s opening scene sets the tone for the rest of the story, as Abner and his family are forced to leave their current residence due to Abner’s destructive behavior. The atmosphere is tense and foreboding, as the family is forced to leave in the middle of the night, with Abner’s anger simmering just below the surface. The setting of the story is also significant, as it highlights the class differences between the wealthy landowners and the poor sharecroppers. The Snopes family is constantly at the mercy of the wealthy landowners, who hold all the power and control over their lives. The setting and atmosphere in “Barn Burning” create a sense of hopelessness and despair, as the characters are trapped in a cycle of poverty and violence.
The Role of Family in Barn Burning
In William Faulkner’s “Barn Burning,” family plays a crucial role in shaping the protagonist’s actions and motivations. The story follows the struggles of a young boy named Sarty, who is torn between his loyalty to his father and his own sense of morality. Sarty’s father, Abner Snopes, is a poor tenant farmer who has a history of burning down barns as a form of revenge against wealthy landowners. Despite the danger and illegality of his father’s actions, Sarty feels obligated to protect him and keep his family together. However, as the story progresses, Sarty begins to question his father’s motives and realizes that his loyalty to his family may come at a cost. Through the character of Sarty, Faulkner explores the complex dynamics of family loyalty and the difficult choices that individuals must make in order to reconcile their personal values with their familial obligations.
Conflict and Resolution in Barn Burning
The central conflict in William Faulkner’s “Barn Burning” revolves around the protagonist, Sarty, and his loyalty to his family versus his sense of justice and morality. Sarty’s father, Abner Snopes, is a serial arsonist who burns down barns of wealthy landowners as a form of revenge for perceived injustices. Sarty is torn between his love and loyalty for his father and his desire to do what is right.
The resolution of the conflict comes when Sarty realizes that his father’s actions are not justified and that he cannot continue to support him. Sarty’s decision to warn the landowner, Major de Spain, of his father’s intentions ultimately leads to Abner’s arrest and Sarty’s departure from his family. This resolution is bittersweet as Sarty is forced to leave his family behind, but he also gains a sense of freedom and independence.
Faulkner’s portrayal of the conflict and resolution in “Barn Burning” highlights the complexities of family loyalty and the struggle to do what is right in the face of adversity. The story also raises questions about the nature of justice and the consequences of taking matters into one’s own hands.
The Narrator’s Perspective in Barn Burning
The narrator’s perspective in William Faulkner’s “Barn Burning” is crucial to understanding the story’s themes and characters. The narrator is an omniscient third-person observer who provides insight into the thoughts and motivations of the main character, Sarty, as well as his father, Abner. Through the narrator’s perspective, readers are able to see the complex dynamics of the Snopes family and the societal pressures that shape their actions. Additionally, the narrator’s use of descriptive language and imagery creates a vivid portrayal of the rural South during the late 1800s. Overall, the narrator’s perspective adds depth and complexity to the story, allowing readers to fully engage with the themes of loyalty, justice, and morality.
The Significance of Fire in Barn Burning
Fire plays a significant role in William Faulkner’s “Barn Burning.” It is a symbol of destruction, power, and rebellion. The story revolves around the protagonist, Sarty, who is torn between his loyalty to his family and his sense of justice. His father, Abner Snopes, is a serial arsonist who burns down barns of wealthy landowners as a form of revenge. Abner’s obsession with fire represents his desire for power and control over his surroundings. He uses fire as a tool to assert his dominance and to express his anger towards those who he perceives as his oppressors. However, fire also serves as a metaphor for the destructive nature of violence and the consequences of one’s actions. The burning of the barns not only destroys property but also disrupts the social order and creates a sense of chaos. In the end, Sarty chooses to break away from his family’s cycle of violence and destruction, symbolically extinguishing the flames of his father’s legacy. The significance of fire in “Barn Burning” highlights the complex themes of power, justice, and morality that Faulkner explores in his work.
The Influence of Southern Gothic Literature on Barn Burning
Southern Gothic literature has had a significant impact on William Faulkner’s Barn Burning. The genre, which emerged in the late 19th century, is characterized by its use of grotesque and macabre elements, as well as its exploration of social issues and the human condition. Faulkner’s work is often considered a prime example of Southern Gothic literature, and Barn Burning is no exception. The story is set in the rural South and features a cast of characters who are struggling with poverty, racism, and family dysfunction. The themes of violence, justice, and morality that are prevalent in Southern Gothic literature are also present in Barn Burning. Faulkner’s use of vivid imagery and symbolism, as well as his exploration of the psychological motivations of his characters, are hallmarks of the genre. Overall, the influence of Southern Gothic literature on Barn Burning is evident in its dark and haunting tone, its exploration of complex social issues, and its use of vivid and evocative language.
The Use of Stream of Consciousness in Barn Burning
One of the most striking features of William Faulkner’s “Barn Burning” is the use of stream of consciousness. This narrative technique allows the reader to delve into the mind of the protagonist, Sarty, and experience his thoughts and emotions in real-time. Through this technique, Faulkner is able to create a sense of immediacy and intimacy with the reader, as we are able to witness Sarty’s inner turmoil and conflict as he struggles to reconcile his loyalty to his family with his own sense of morality. The use of stream of consciousness also allows Faulkner to explore the complex themes of class, power, and justice in a more nuanced and subtle way, as we are able to see how these ideas are filtered through Sarty’s own perspective and experiences. Overall, the use of stream of consciousness in “Barn Burning” is a powerful and effective narrative tool that adds depth and complexity to the story, and helps to make it a timeless classic of American literature.
The Relationship Between Sarty and Abner
The relationship between Sarty and Abner is a complex one, filled with tension and conflict. Abner is Sarty’s father, but their relationship is far from typical. Abner is a violent and abusive man, constantly getting into trouble with the law and dragging his family along with him. Sarty, on the other hand, is a young boy who is torn between his loyalty to his father and his desire to do what is right. Throughout the story, we see Sarty struggling to reconcile these conflicting emotions, as he is forced to choose between his family and his own sense of morality. Despite the many challenges they face, however, Sarty and Abner’s relationship is ultimately one of love and loyalty, as Sarty remains devoted to his father even in the face of great adversity.
The Impact of Socioeconomic Status on Characters in Barn Burning
In William Faulkner’s “Barn Burning,” the socioeconomic status of the characters plays a significant role in shaping their actions and motivations. The protagonist, Sarty, comes from a poor, rural family that is constantly on the move, while his father, Abner, is a sharecropper who struggles to make ends meet. This economic instability creates a sense of desperation and resentment in Abner, who feels that he is constantly being oppressed by the wealthy landowners he works for. As a result, he turns to arson as a means of revenge, burning down the barns of those who he feels have wronged him.
Sarty, on the other hand, is torn between his loyalty to his family and his desire to do what is right. He is acutely aware of the class divide between his family and the wealthy landowners they work for, and he feels a sense of shame and inferiority because of it. This internal conflict is further complicated by the fact that Sarty is still a child, and he is not yet fully able to understand the complexities of the world around him.
The impact of socioeconomic status on the characters in “Barn Burning” is a reflection of the larger social and economic issues that were prevalent in the American South during the early 20th century. Faulkner’s portrayal of the class divide between the wealthy landowners and the poor sharecroppers highlights the systemic inequalities that existed at the time, and the ways in which these inequalities shaped the lives of those who were caught in the middle. Ultimately, “Barn Burning” is a powerful commentary on the destructive nature of poverty and the ways in which it can drive people to desperate measures.
The Role of Justice in Barn Burning
In William Faulkner’s “Barn Burning,” the theme of justice plays a significant role in the story’s development. The protagonist, Sarty, is torn between his loyalty to his family and his desire for justice. Throughout the story, Sarty struggles to reconcile his father’s actions with his own sense of morality. The story raises important questions about the nature of justice and the role it plays in society. Ultimately, Faulkner suggests that justice is a complex and multifaceted concept that cannot be easily defined or applied. As readers, we are left to grapple with these questions and to consider the implications of justice in our own lives.
The Importance of Loyalty in Barn Burning
Loyalty is a recurring theme in William Faulkner’s “Barn Burning.” The story revolves around the loyalty of the protagonist, Sarty, to his family and his struggle to reconcile it with his sense of justice. Sarty’s father, Abner Snopes, is a serial arsonist who constantly moves his family from one town to another, leaving a trail of burnt barns behind. Despite Abner’s criminal behavior, Sarty feels a strong sense of loyalty towards him, which is evident in his willingness to lie to protect his father’s reputation. However, as the story progresses, Sarty begins to question his loyalty and realizes that it comes at a great cost. The importance of loyalty in “Barn Burning” lies in its exploration of the complex nature of familial ties and the moral dilemmas that arise when loyalty conflicts with justice.
The Significance of the Title “Barn Burning”
The title “Barn Burning” holds significant meaning in William Faulkner’s short story. It not only refers to the literal act of burning barns, but also symbolizes the destruction of property and the breaking of societal norms. The title sets the tone for the story and foreshadows the conflict between the protagonist, Sarty, and his father, Abner Snopes. The burning of barns serves as a metaphor for the burning of relationships and the destruction of trust. Overall, the title encapsulates the themes of loyalty, justice, and morality that are explored throughout the story.
The Use of Foreshadowing in Barn Burning
One of the most prominent literary devices used in William Faulkner’s “Barn Burning” is foreshadowing. Throughout the story, Faulkner drops subtle hints and clues that suggest the direction the plot will take. These hints are often symbolic or metaphorical, and they require careful attention from the reader to fully understand their significance. By using foreshadowing, Faulkner creates a sense of tension and anticipation that keeps the reader engaged and invested in the story. Additionally, foreshadowing allows Faulkner to explore complex themes and ideas in a nuanced and sophisticated way, making “Barn Burning” a rich and rewarding work of literature.
The Role of Women in Barn Burning
In William Faulkner’s “Barn Burning,” women play a significant role in the story’s development. While the story primarily focuses on the relationship between a father and son, the women in the story provide insight into the societal expectations and limitations placed on women during the time period in which the story is set. The women in the story, including Abner’s wife and daughter, are portrayed as passive and subservient to the men in their lives. However, their actions and reactions to the events in the story reveal a deeper understanding of the power dynamics at play. The women’s roles in “Barn Burning” highlight the ways in which women were marginalized and oppressed in the early 20th century South.
The Theme of Identity in Barn Burning
The theme of identity is a central focus in William Faulkner’s “Barn Burning.” The story follows the struggles of a young boy named Sarty as he grapples with his loyalty to his family and his own sense of morality. Sarty’s father, Abner Snopes, is a notorious arsonist who constantly moves his family from town to town to avoid the consequences of his actions. As Sarty witnesses his father’s destructive behavior, he begins to question his own identity and the values he has been taught. Throughout the story, Faulkner explores the complex nature of identity and the ways in which it can be shaped by family, society, and personal experiences. Ultimately, Sarty must make a choice between his loyalty to his family and his own sense of right and wrong, a decision that will ultimately define his identity and shape his future.
The Impact of Racism in Barn Burning
The theme of racism is prevalent throughout William Faulkner’s “Barn Burning.” The story takes place in the post-Civil War South, where racial tensions were high and segregation was the norm. The main character, Abner Snopes, is a poor white tenant farmer who feels oppressed by the wealthy landowners. He takes out his anger and frustration by burning their barns. However, it is clear that Abner’s actions are not solely motivated by his class status. He also harbors deep-seated racist beliefs and prejudices. This is evident in his treatment of the black servant, who he refers to as “nigger,” and his disdain for the wealthy landowners who he sees as “Yankees” and “foreigners.” The impact of racism in “Barn Burning” is not only seen in Abner’s actions but also in the way that society as a whole perpetuates and condones these attitudes. The story highlights the destructive nature of racism and the ways in which it can lead to violence and destruction.