Plot

The plot of "Barn Burning" by William Faulkner centers on the young protagonist, Sarty
Snopes, and his internal conflict between family loyalty and moral integrity.

The story begins in a small town's general store, which also serves as a courtroom. Sarty's
father, Abner Snopes, is on trial for allegedly burning down a barn belonging to his employer,
Mr. Harris. Although there's no solid evidence to convict him, Sarty is called to testify. He
knows his father is guilty but remains silent, following the code of family loyalty. Abner is
acquitted, but the family is ordered to leave town.

As the Snopes family moves to a new farm to work as tenant farmers, Sarty’s struggle between
loyalty to his father and his sense of right and wrong becomes more intense. Abner is cold,
harsh, and vengeful, with a history of burning barns to retaliate against wealthy landowners. At
their new employer's home, a wealthy man named Major de Spain, Abner deliberately steps in
horse manure and drags it into the house, smearing the rug to show his contempt for the upper
class.

When Major de Spain demands that Abner clean the rug, Abner intentionally ruins it. Major de
Spain takes Abner to court, and the judge orders Abner to pay for the damage. In response,
Abner plans to burn down Major de Spain’s barn as revenge.

At this point, Sarty realizes the pattern of his father’s behavior. He struggles with whether to
remain loyal to his family or to stand up for justice. When Sarty suspects that his father is about
to burn the barn, he tries to warn Major de Spain. Sarty runs to the house, but as he tries to stop
the act, he hears gunshots in the distance, suggesting that Major de Spain shot Abner.

The story ends with Sarty walking away from his family, symbolically breaking free from his
father’s destructive influence, as he moves toward an uncertain but morally independent future

Faulkner’s "Barn Burning" ultimately explores themes of loyalty, justice, social class, and the
moral challenges faced by individuals in oppressive family structures.

The plot of William Faulkner’s “Barn Burning” revolves around young Sarty Snopes, torn
between family loyalty and moral integrity.

Sarty’s father, Abner, is a tenant farmer with a habit of burning barns in retaliation against
wealthy landowners. When Abner is accused of burning Mr. Harris’s barn, Sarty struggles to
protect his father, though he knows he’s guilty. The family relocates to Major de Spain’s farm,
where Abner shows contempt by damaging de Spain's property. When ordered to pay for the
damage, Abner plans revenge by burning de Spain’s barn. Sarty, grappling with his moral
conscience, warns de Spain, ultimately leading to his father’s death. The story concludes with
Sarty walking away from his family, symbolizing his break from his father’s destructive ways.

This narrative examines themes of loyalty, justice, social class, and the moral dilemmas that
arise from family loyalty versus ethical responsibility, all set within the complex social fabric of
the Southern United States.

Themes

William Faulkner’s *"Barn Burning"* is a profound exploration of the complex dynamics

between morality, loyalty, and social class. Set in the post-Civil War South, the short story not
only depicts the struggle of its protagonist, young Sarty Snopes, but also offers a broader
critique of the rigid socio-economic hierarchies and the moral compromises they engender.
Faulkner masterfully intertwines themes of family loyalty, justice, and class conflict,
constructing a narrative that reflects the moral ambiguity inherent in human experience.

One of the central themes of *"Barn Burning"* is **the tension between family loyalty and
personal morality**. Sarty Snopes is trapped between his filial duty and his evolving sense of
justice. His father, Abner Snopes, represents a destructive force, embittered by the inequalities
of society and lashing out through arson as a form of rebellion against his perceived oppressors.
From the outset, Sarty is aware of his father's criminal tendencies, but familial loyalty compels
him to remain silent. The narrative repeatedly highlights Sarty’s internal struggle, as he
navigates the conflict between supporting his father and recognizing that Abner’s actions are
morally wrong. Faulkner uses this tension to explore a broader question: at what point does the
individual’s obligation to family give way to a higher moral imperative? This theme is central to
Sarty’s character development, culminating in his decision to warn Major de Spain about his
father’s intent to burn the barn. In doing so, Sarty breaks the bond of loyalty to his father in
favor of moral justice, signaling his growth as an autonomous moral agent.

Another significant theme is **justice and its complex manifestations**. Faulkner contrasts
different forms of justice throughout the story—legal, personal, and societal. On one level,
Abner’s barn burning can be seen as an expression of personal justice. Having suffered at the
hands of a rigid and unforgiving social order, Abner responds through his acts of arson,
believing he is exacting revenge against those who exploit his family’s labor. However, this
form of "justice" is self-serving and ultimately destructive, harming not only the wealthy
landowners but also Abner’s own family. Legal justice, represented by the courts, proves to be
ineffective in dealing with Abner’s actions. Although he is brought to trial, Abner consistently
evades conviction, allowing him to perpetuate his cycle of violence. Faulkner’s portrayal of
these contrasting forms of justice points to the story’s larger critique of societal inequality: the
law fails to protect both the powerful and the powerless, leading to a breakdown of order in
which individuals like Abner are left to pursue their own sense of retribution. Sarty, on the other
hand, seeks a higher form of justice, one that transcends both personal vengeance and legal
technicalities. By the end of the story, his attempt to warn Major de Spain is an act of moral
justice—an assertion of the belief that wrongdoers, even if they are family, must be held
accountable.

The theme of **class conflict** is equally pervasive in *"Barn Burning"*. Faulkner situates the
story within the socio-economic structure of the postbellum South, where the divide between
the wealthy landowners and the poor tenant farmers is starkly apparent. Abner Snopes, as a
tenant farmer, is acutely aware of his subordinate position within this hierarchy, and his anger
toward the landowning class is a recurring motif. Abner’s deliberate defiling of Major de
Spain’s rug, and his subsequent refusal to properly clean it, is a symbolic act of defiance against
the upper class. This action reveals not only Abner’s resentment toward his employers but also
his refusal to submit to a social order that treats him as expendable labor. Faulkner uses Abner’s
character to illustrate the psychological toll of poverty and exploitation, showing how class
inequalities breed resentment, bitterness, and ultimately violence. Yet, while Abner’s acts of
rebellion may be fueled by legitimate grievances, they are also self-destructive. His refusal to
abide by social norms not only alienates him from his employers but also puts his family in
perpetual instability. In contrast, Sarty’s moral awakening represents an alternative path—a
rejection of his father’s cycle of vengeance and a hope for a different kind of justice, untainted
by class hatred.

Finally, the theme of **inheritance and the burden of the past** is woven throughout the
story. Faulkner’s Southern Gothic style often engages with the ways in which the past—whether
personal or collective—shapes the present. In *"Barn Burning,"* Sarty’s struggle is not only
with his father but also with the weight of familial legacy. Abner’s violent tendencies and his
refusal to conform to societal expectations are passed down through the generations, threatening
to consume Sarty as well. Faulkner explores how the sins of the father are often visited upon the
son, creating a vicious cycle of violence and moral compromise. However, Sarty’s eventual
decision to break free from his father’s influence represents a rejection of this inheritance. By
running away from his family at the end of the story, Sarty symbolically chooses a new path,
unburdened by the destructive legacy of his father. This act of defiance suggests that while the
past may shape us, it does not have to define our future.

In conclusion, William Faulkner’s *"Barn Burning"* is a rich and multifaceted narrative that
engages deeply with themes of loyalty, justice, class conflict, and inheritance. Through the
character of Sarty Snopes, Faulkner examines the complex moral dilemmas that arise when
individuals are forced to choose between family loyalty and a higher ethical standard. The
story’s critique of the socio-economic inequalities of the South, coupled with its exploration of
justice in all its forms, positions *"Barn Burning"* as a profound reflection on the moral
struggles inherent in human life.

Characters

In William Faulkner's *"Barn Burning,"* the characters play pivotal roles in exploring themes
such as loyalty, justice, class struggle, and moral awakening. Faulkner masterfully develops
these characters to reflect the complexities of Southern society in the post-Civil War era,
especially the tensions between individuals' moral integrity and their familial and social
obligations.

Colonel Sartoris “Sarty” Snopes

Sarty is the story’s protagonist and the lens through which Faulkner explores the moral
dilemmas of loyalty and justice. As a ten-year-old boy, Sarty is caught in a struggle between his
sense of right and wrong and his loyalty to his father, Abner Snopes. Throughout the narrative,
Sarty’s character evolves from one of unquestioning loyalty to one of moral autonomy. Initially,
Sarty feels the familial pressure to support his father, even when he knows that Abner's barn
burning is wrong. However, his increasing awareness of his father’s destructive behavior leads
him to a critical decision at the end of the story. Sarty’s moral growth is symbolized by his
decision to warn Major de Spain of his father’s plan to burn the barn, an act that ultimately
separates him from his family. Sarty’s internal conflict is the driving force of the narrative, and
Faulkner uses him to depict the broader theme of the individual’s struggle against oppressive
familial and societal structures.

Abner Snopes

Abner Snopes is the antagonist of the story and the central figure of Sarty’s moral dilemma.
Abner is a tenant farmer embittered by the inequalities of the post-Civil War South, particularly
the rigid class structure that keeps him and his family in perpetual poverty. His anger toward the
wealthy landowners who exploit him manifests in his recurring acts of barn burning, a symbolic
form of rebellion against a system that he believes oppresses him. However, Abner’s defiance is
self-destructive, as it not only fails to challenge the social order but also places his family in
constant danger. Faulkner portrays Abner as a cold, domineering figure who uses fear and
control to maintain his authority over his family. His rigid sense of personal justice—where he
views the destruction of property as a way of asserting power—contrasts with the legal and
moral justice that Sarty seeks. Abner’s character embodies the theme of class conflict, but he
also represents the dangers of unchecked vengeance and the consequences of living in
opposition to societal norms.

Lennie Snopes
Lennie, Sarty’s mother, is a minor character who nonetheless reflects the silent suffering
endured by those caught in Abner’s cycle of violence. Throughout the story, Lennie is portrayed
as a passive figure, unable to influence her husband’s destructive actions but deeply concerned
for the well-being of her children. Her attempts to restrain Abner and protect Sarty, such as
when she begs Abner not to take Sarty with him to burn the barn, highlight her maternal
instincts and her moral opposition to Abner’s behavior. However, Lennie’s powerlessness within
the family reflects the broader societal limitations placed on women in the story’s setting. While
she is morally aligned with Sarty, her inability to confront or escape Abner’s control shows the
oppressive nature of their family dynamics.

Major de Spain

Major de Spain is the wealthy landowner for whom the Snopes family works after they are
forced to leave their previous town. He represents the upper class of Southern society, standing
in stark contrast to Abner Snopes. De Spain’s wealth and social position make him a target of
Abner’s resentment, and their relationship is marked by conflict. When Abner deliberately soils
de Spain’s rug and then ruins it while supposedly cleaning it, de Spain seeks justice by bringing
the case to court. Faulkner uses de Spain to embody the class inequalities that fuel Abner’s
anger, but he also represents the legal and social order that Abner seeks to defy. However, de
Spain’s justice is one rooted in property and wealth, as seen when he charges Abner with paying
for the ruined rug rather than attempting to understand the underlying causes of Abner’s
rebellion. Ultimately, Major de Spain’s character serves to highlight the story’s critique of social
class and the tensions between the rich and the poor.

Mr. Harris

Mr. Harris is the landowner whose barn Abner is accused of burning at the beginning of the
story. Though his role is brief, Mr. Harris serves as a representation of the landowning class that
Abner repeatedly defies. In the opening scene, Mr. Harris brings Abner to court for the barn
burning, but the lack of evidence prevents a conviction. Harris’s character is important in
establishing the pattern of conflict between Abner and the landowners for whom he works. He
exemplifies the recurring cycle of exploitation and retaliation that defines Abner’s life, as well
as the failure of the legal system to address this cycle in any meaningful way.

The Justice of the Peace

The Justice of the Peace is the figure of authority in the town’s legal system. He appears in two
court scenes: the first where Mr. Harris accuses Abner of barn burning, and the second where
Major de Spain takes Abner to court over the ruined rug. The Justice’s decisions in both cases
are indicative of the story’s critique of the law. In the first trial, the Justice dismisses the case
against Abner due to insufficient evidence, reflecting the law’s impotence in dealing with
Abner’s crimes. In the second trial, he reduces Abner’s penalty for the ruined rug but does not
offer any substantive resolution to the conflict between Abner and de Spain. Faulkner uses the
Justice of the Peace to critique the limitations of legal justice in addressing deeper social and
moral conflicts, particularly those related to class.

Literary Movement

William Faulkner’s *“Barn Burning”* is often associated with **Modernism** and the
**Southern Gothic** subgenre, both of which reflect key characteristics of the literary
movements prevalent during the early-to-mid 20th century. Faulkner’s story incorporates
elements of psychological depth, social critique, and a focus on the complexities of human
behavior—hallmarks of Modernism. Simultaneously, the story’s setting in the American South,
along with its exploration of decay, violence, and moral ambiguity, situates it within the
Southern Gothic tradition.

Modernism

Modernism, which emerged in the early 20th century, sought to break away from traditional
narrative structures and often delved into complex psychological and social realities. Faulkner’s
*“Barn Burning”* displays several hallmarks of Modernism:

Stream of Consciousness: Although not as heavily used as in some of Faulkner’s other works,
such as *The Sound and the Fury*, *“Barn Burning”* still incorporates an introspective and
psychological portrayal of its characters, particularly in the internal struggles of Sarty Snopes.
His conflicting emotions, loyalty to his father, and desire for justice are presented in a way that
emphasizes his internal turmoil.

Fragmentation and Ambiguity: Faulkner often leaves key moral questions unresolved, allowing
the reader to experience the dissonance and fragmentation that characterize the Modernist
worldview. This moral complexity, particularly surrounding Sarty’s decision to defy his father,
reflects the Modernist tendency to reject clear, didactic conclusions.

-Social Critique and Alienation: Faulkner’s depiction of the Snopes family, especially Abner, as
alienated figures struggling against oppressive social and economic structures, reflects
Modernism’s concern with the effects of industrialization, poverty, and disillusionment. The
story critiques the rigid class structures of the South, portraying the consequences of economic
disparity and social marginalization.

Southern Gothic
*“Barn Burning”* is also a key example of Southern Gothic literature, a subgenre of Gothic
fiction that focuses on the American South. Southern Gothic explores themes of decay, violence,
and the grotesque, often emphasizing the moral and social corruption inherent in southern
society. Faulkner is one of the most important writers associated with this movement, and his
works frequently portray the South as a place of haunting beauty and pervasive cruelty. Key
elements of Southern Gothic in *“Barn Burning”* include:

- **Decay and Ruin:** The Snopes family, living in poverty and constantly on the move,
reflects the decay and degradation of the southern aristocratic system. Abner Snopes’s
resentment and bitterness are symbolic of the post-Civil War South, where the economic and
social structures have crumbled, leaving many in desperate circumstances. The image of
burning barns, a destructive act aimed at the wealthy landowners, further symbolizes this decay.

- **Violence and the Grotesque:** Abner Snopes embodies violence and destruction, both in his
physical aggression and in his compulsive need to burn down barns as a form of rebellion. The
violence in *“Barn Burning”* is both literal and psychological, as it shows the damage done not
only to property but to familial relationships, especially between Abner and his son, Sarty. This
blend of physical violence with emotional and moral conflict is a hallmark of Southern Gothic.

- **Moral Ambiguity and the Grotesque:** In Southern Gothic literature, characters are often
morally ambiguous or deeply flawed, and this complexity reflects a larger critique of southern
society. Abner Snopes is a morally grotesque figure—an abusive, embittered man whose sense
of justice is warped. However, Faulkner does not present him as purely evil; rather, Abner’s
actions arise from a deep sense of injustice and frustration with the social system. This
complexity invites readers to consider the broader social and economic factors at play, even as
they condemn Abner’s actions.

### 3. **Connection to Faulkner’s Broader Works**

Faulkner’s *“Barn Burning”* fits into the larger context of his work, much of which is set in the
fictional Yoknapatawpha County and deals with themes of family, honor, and social decay in the
post-Civil War South. Many of his stories, including *“Barn Burning,”* portray the decline of
southern aristocracy and the rise of marginalized, impoverished figures like the Snopes family.
In this way, Faulkner’s work bridges the concerns of both Modernism and Southern Gothic,
blending stylistic innovation with a deep engagement with the history and culture of the South.

### Conclusion

*“Barn Burning”* is a product of both the **Modernist** and **Southern Gothic** literary
movements. As a Modernist work, it engages with psychological depth, ambiguity, and social
critique, while its Southern Gothic elements are evident in its themes of decay, violence, and the
grotesque. Faulkner’s exploration of the moral and social complexities of the South, combined
with his innovative narrative techniques, makes *“Barn Burning”* a key example of these two
movements. Through this story, Faulkner offers a haunting portrayal of a family torn apart by
poverty, injustice, and rebellion, all within the broader context of a decaying southern society.

William Faulkner

William Faulkner (1897–1962) was an American writer and one of the most celebrated authors
of the 20th century. He is best known for his novels, short stories, and plays that explore the
complexities of life in the American South. Faulkner’s works are often set in the fictional
Yoknapatawpha County, Mississippi, a creation that allowed him to explore the social, racial,
and economic struggles of the South, particularly in the aftermath of the Civil War and during
the Great Depression.

1. Early Life and Education

Born William Cuthbert Falkner on September 25, 1897, in New Albany, Mississippi, Faulkner
grew up in nearby Oxford, Mississippi, where he would spend most of his life. His Southern
upbringing heavily influenced his work. Although he attended the University of Mississippi for
a brief time, he was largely self-educated and read widely in literature, history, and philosophy.
His family had a rich history that included both Civil War veterans and prominent Southern
figures, further contributing to his deep understanding of the South’s culture and traditions.

2. Literary Career and Style

Faulkner began his literary career as a poet, but it was his fiction that would bring him lasting
fame. His first novel, Soldiers’ Pay (1926), was followed by masterpieces of Southern
literature that examined the lives of individuals trapped in a decaying society marked by racial
tensions, family honor, and social decay.

 Stream of Consciousness and Narrative Innovation: Faulkner is known for his

complex narrative techniques, including stream of consciousness, multiple
perspectives, and non-linear timelines. His characters’ thoughts and emotions are
often presented in a fragmented, associative manner, reflecting the internal turmoil of
individuals dealing with guilt, repression, or societal pressure. His works often require
close attention to understand the full narrative, as he challenges readers to piece
together the story from various points of view.

 Yoknapatawpha County: Faulkner’s invented region, modeled after Lafayette County,

Mississippi, serves as the setting for many of his works. This county and its inhabitants
allowed Faulkner to explore the history and culture of the South in depth, and many of
 his novels form a cohesive body of work centered around recurring characters and
themes. He called himself the “county’s historian,” presenting a detailed and layered
picture of life in the South over multiple generations.

3. Major Works

Some of Faulkner’s most significant novels include:

 “The Sound and the Fury” (1929): One of Faulkner’s most challenging works, this
novel tells the story of the decline of the Compson family through the perspectives of
four different characters. The narrative is fragmented and shifts through time, especially
in its famous first section, which is told from the perspective of the mentally disabled
Benjy Compson.

 “As I Lay Dying” (1930): This novel is narrated by 15 different characters and
chronicles the Bundren family’s journey to bury their deceased mother, Addie, in her
hometown. It explores themes of death, family duty, and the absurdity of existence.

 “Light in August” (1932): Set in the American South, this novel addresses racial
tensions, identity, and the struggles of marginalized individuals. It is one of Faulkner’s
most accessible works while still employing complex narrative techniques.

 “Absalom, Absalom!” (1936): Considered by many critics to be Faulkner’s greatest

achievement, this novel recounts the rise and fall of the Sutpen family and their role in
the history of the South. The book examines themes of race, family, and the destructive
force of ambition.

 “Go Down, Moses” (1942): A collection of related stories that explore race, land
ownership, and the consequences of slavery in the South, most notably in the story
“The Bear.”

Faulkner’s short stories are also highly regarded, with works such as “A Rose for Emily” and
“Barn Burning” being widely studied and taught in schools. These stories explore the Southern
Gothic tradition, focusing on decayed aristocracy, family secrets, and moral complexity.

4. Themes and Social Criticism

Faulkner’s works frequently grapple with the deep social and historical problems of the
American South, including:

 Race and Racial Injustice: Faulkner’s novels and stories often highlight the pervasive
racial inequality in the South, showing how slavery and its legacy continue to shape
 social relationships. In “Light in August” and “Go Down, Moses,” he explores how
race defines identity and separates people along deeply entrenched societal lines.

 The Decline of the South: Faulkner’s works reflect the decline of the traditional
Southern aristocracy and the social fragmentation caused by the Civil War. Families like
the Compsons (in The Sound and the Fury) or the Sutpens (in Absalom, Absalom!)
embody this decline, as their once-powerful estates crumble under the weight of time,
economic hardship, and moral decay.

 Guilt and Memory: Faulkner’s characters are often haunted by their past actions or the
history of their families. Themes of guilt, repression, and memory pervade his works,
with individuals struggling to reconcile themselves with their heritage and the changing
world around them.

 Isolation and Alienation: Characters in Faulkner’s works frequently face profound

loneliness or alienation from society, whether through mental illness, race, or social
class. This theme is particularly evident in works like The Sound and the Fury and As I
Lay Dying.

5. Awards and Recognition

Faulkner received numerous accolades for his work. In 1949, he was awarded the Nobel Prize
in Literature, praised for his “powerful and artistically unique contribution to the modern
American novel.” He also won two Pulitzer Prizes for Fiction—one for A Fable (1954) and
another for The Reivers (1962), his final novel. Faulkner’s literary output is considered among
the greatest in American literature, and his influence is profound, shaping writers from
subsequent generations, including Gabriel García Márquez and Toni Morrison.

6. Later Years and Legacy

In addition to his novels, Faulkner worked as a screenwriter in Hollywood for several years,
collaborating with directors like Howard Hawks on films such as The Big Sleep and To Have
and Have Not. However, Faulkner was always more comfortable in his native Mississippi, and
he continued to write prolifically until his death in 1962.

Faulkner’s legacy endures as one of the greatest American writers, especially within the
Southern Gothic tradition. His innovative use of narrative techniques, exploration of the
American South’s troubled past, and deep psychological insight ensure that his works remain
central to discussions of 20th-century literature. Faulkner’s influence is far-reaching, and his
portrayal of the South remains a touchstone for American fiction exploring issues of identity,
history, and morality.