Barn Burning by William Faulkner Essay
Barn Burning by William Faulkner The story begins in a small-town courtroom where a boy named Sarty Snopes, just 10 years old, is waiting for his father’s trial. Abner Snopes, Sarty’s father, is accused of burning down a barn belonging to a man named Mr. Harris. There is little evidence against Abner, and though Mr. Harris claims that Abner sent a message before setting the fire, the judge decides to let Abner go due to lack of proof. However, the judge tells Abner to leave the town, and the Snopes family is forced to move. As they travel, Sarty struggles with his thoughts. He knows that his father is guilty of burning the barn, but he feels torn because he’s been raised to be loyal to his family. His father, cold and bitter, expects complete loyalty from him, no matter what. The Snopes family reaches a new place where they will live and work as tenant farmers. The land belongs to a rich man named Major de Spain. Soon after arriving, Abner deliberately drags his dirty boots over d...