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 de Spain’s fancy rug, showing his disrespect. Later, when de Spain sends the rug to the Snopes’ house to be cleaned, Abner ruins it by scrubbing it with harsh soap and a rock, leaving it worse than before.

De Spain demands that Abner pay for the damage to the rug by giving him twenty bushels of corn, which is a big amount for a poor farmer like Abner. Angered by this, Abner takes the issue to court, but the judge orders him to pay ten bushels instead.

Furious, Abner decides to get revenge by burning down de Spain’s barn, just like he did in the past. Sarty realizes what his father is planning and feels a growing sense of right and wrong. He doesn’t want to betray his father, but he also knows that burning the barn is wrong.

When Abner sets out to burn the barn, Sarty tries to stop him. He runs to warn de Spain, telling him about his father’s plan. As Sarty runs away, he hears gunshots, suggesting that de Spain may have shot Abner.

In the end, Sarty doesn't go back to his family. He walks away, feeling a mixture of relief and sadness. He knows he has left his family behind, but he has also chosen to do what is right.

The story ends with Sarty moving forward into the unknown, having made a difficult decision that shows he is growing up and finding his own moral path.

ChatGPT can make mistakes. Check important