Introduction to the "Barn Burning" Short Story
William Faulkner's "Barn Burning" was first published in 1939 and is considered one of his most notable works. The story is set in the American South during the early 20th century and focuses on the struggles of a young boy, Sarty, who is caught between his loyalty to his family and his innate sense of justice. The narrative centers around the Snopes family's conflicts with authority and societal expectations, primarily through the actions of the father, Abner Snopes, who has a penchant for arson.
The title itself, "Barn Burning," alludes to the central motif of the story—acts of deliberate destruction that symbolize rebellion, justice, and moral ambiguity. Faulkner's storytelling employs a third-person limited point of view, providing deep insight into Sarty's internal conflicts and moral dilemmas.
Plot Summary of "Barn Burning"
Introduction to the Snopes Family
The story begins with Sarty Snopes attending a trial where his father, Abner Snopes, is accused of barn burning. Abner is a poor sharecropper who has a reputation for arson, often setting fire to barns belonging to landowners he despises or resents. The narrative establishes the tension between Abner's rebellious tendencies and the societal laws he defies.
Journey to a New Trial
Following the trial, Abner and his family leave their current residence and head to a new location, where Abner hopes to start fresh. They arrive at a large estate owned by Major de Spain, where Abner is hired to work as a sharecropper. The family’s move is fraught with unease, especially for Sarty, who perceives his father's actions as morally questionable.
The Incident at the Manor House
During a confrontation at the de Spain estate, Abner is summoned to the manor house to address a dispute over a defective rug he damaged. During the encounter, Abner's pride is wounded, and he perceives an insult from the landowner. In response, he secretly plans to burn the barn on the property as an act of defiance.
The Barn Burning
That night, Abner secretly returns to the estate and sets fire to the barn, which is filled with hay and grain. Sarty witnesses his father's act but is torn between loyalty and morality. The story reaches a tense climax as Sarty considers whether to report his father or to stay silent.
The Resolution
As the fire spreads, Sarty makes a critical decision to warn the landowner, Major de Spain, about his father's plan. His actions result in the arrest of Abner Snopes. The story concludes with Sarty fleeing from his family, symbolizing his rejection of his father's destructive path and his desire for moral integrity.
Major Themes in "Barn Burning"
Loyalty and Morality
One of the central themes of the story is the conflict between loyalty to family and moral righteousness. Sarty's internal struggle exemplifies this tension—his instinct is to protect his father, yet he recognizes the immorality of his father's actions. The story raises questions about the extent to which loyalty should be maintained when it conflicts with ethical principles.
Social Class and Power Dynamics
Faulkner explores the social stratification of the American South, highlighting the disparities between landowners like Major de Spain and impoverished sharecroppers like the Snopes family. Abner's acts of arson can be interpreted as acts of rebellion against societal oppression and economic exploitation.
Justice and Revenge
The story examines the notions of justice and revenge, especially through Abner's vendettas against landowners. His barn burning serves as a symbolic act of retribution, challenging the authority of the landowning class.
Morality and the Human Condition
Faulkner delves into the complexities of human morality, illustrating that actions such as barn burning may stem from feelings of injustice or resentment. The story prompts readers to consider whether such acts are purely malicious or rooted in deeper social grievances.
Characters in "Barn Burning"
Abner Snopes
Abner Snopes is the antagonist of the story—a proud, stubborn man with a penchant for destruction. His character embodies rebellion against authority and societal norms, often acting impulsively to assert his dignity. His actions are driven by a sense of grievance and a desire to challenge social hierarchy.
Sarty Snopes
Sarty, the young protagonist, is torn between his familial loyalty and his developing moral conscience. His internal conflict is the emotional core of the story, representing the struggle of growing up and asserting individual morality.
The Landowners
Major de Spain and other landowners symbolize authority and the oppressive social structure. Their interactions with the Snopes family highlight the class disparities and power imbalances prevalent in the setting.
The Family Dynamics
The story also explores the dynamics within the Snopes family, emphasizing themes of loyalty, obedience, and moral awakening. Sarty's relationship with his father is complex—marked by fear, respect, and a desire for independence.
Symbolism in "Barn Burning"
The Barn
The barn represents property, social status, and the boundaries of morality. Burning the barn is an act of rebellion but also symbolizes destruction and loss.
The Fire
Fire is a recurring motif symbolizing both destruction and purification. Abner’s barn burning signifies his defiance, but it also foreshadows the destructive consequences of such actions.
The Snopes Family
The family itself symbolizes the lower social classes and the cycle of poverty and resentment. Their struggles reflect broader themes of social injustice.
The Court and Legal System
The courtroom scenes and legal proceedings highlight the societal mechanisms of justice and how they often fail to address underlying social grievances.
Literary Significance and Critical Analysis
William Faulkner's "Barn Burning" is lauded for its masterful use of symbolism, regional realism, and psychological depth. The story exemplifies Faulkner's modernist style, characterized by complex characters and intricate thematic layers.
Critics often interpret Abner Snopes as a symbol of destructive rebelliousness, while Sarty embodies moral growth and the possibility of moral awakening. The story challenges readers to consider the morality of rebellion and the societal forces that compel individuals toward destructive acts.
Faulkner’s portrayal of the American South provides a vivid backdrop for exploring themes of social injustice, loyalty, and moral integrity. The story's open-ended conclusion invites reflection on the possibilities of moral independence and the costs of choosing righteousness over familial loyalty.
Conclusion
The barn burning short story remains a powerful exploration of morality, social class, and human psychology. Through the character of Sarty Snopes and his conflicted loyalty to his father, Faulkner examines the complexities of personal morality against the backdrop of a stratified society. The story's enduring relevance lies in its nuanced portrayal of rebellion, justice, and the moral dilemmas faced by individuals caught in systems of oppression.
"Barn Burning" continues to resonate with readers and scholars alike, serving as a quintessential example of American Southern Gothic literature. Its themes and characters provoke ongoing discussion about morality, social justice, and the human capacity for both destruction and redemption. William Faulkner's storytelling mastery ensures that this short story remains a significant and thought-provoking work in American literary canon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main themes explored in 'Barn Burning'?
The story explores themes of loyalty, morality, justice, social class conflict, and the struggle between personal integrity and family loyalty.
How does Sarty's character develop throughout 'Barn Burning'?
Sarty begins as a loyal son torn between obeying his father and recognizing the wrongness of his actions, but over the course of the story, he begins to question his father's morality and considers breaking free from his family's destructive cycle.
What is the significance of the title 'Barn Burning'?
The title refers to the literal act of arson committed by the father, Abner Snopes, which symbolizes his rebellious nature and the destructive tendencies that threaten his moral integrity and his family's well-being.
How does Faulkner depict social class and justice in 'Barn Burning'?
Faulkner illustrates the class tensions between the poor tenant farmers and the wealthier landowners, highlighting issues of injustice and the moral dilemmas faced by those oppressed or marginalized within the social hierarchy.
What role does the setting play in shaping the story's mood and themes?
The Southern setting, with its rural environment and social dynamics, enhances the story's themes of tradition, conflict, and moral ambiguity, creating a backdrop that emphasizes the characters' struggles and moral choices.
Why is 'Barn Burning' considered a critique of familial loyalty and moral integrity?
The story examines the tension between loyalty to family and the individual's sense of right and wrong, ultimately questioning whether blind allegiance can justify immoral or destructive actions.
How does Faulkner use symbolism in 'Barn Burning'?
Faulkner employs symbolism such as the burning barns to represent the destructive impulses of the father, the moral decay within the family, and the conflict between societal expectations and personal conscience.
