William Faulkner

After reading “Barn Burning”by William Faulkner…. The following are the thoughts I had after reading this story. 

In the beginning of the story, the boy’s father, Snopes, was on trial. As the Justice asked questions, he could not really prove that Snopes is the guilty one responsible for burning down the barn. So Harris, the plaintiff, wants the boy Sarty to get on the stand. Sarty’s father is angered by Sarty. Sarty’s father feels during the court proceedings that Sarty should stick with his blood even if it requires lying. Sarty seems to feel scared of his father. He also seems to feel like he let his father down.

During the middle of the story, it goes back to the court setting. During this time though, Snopes is found guilty of another crime and is ordered to compensate the person. Snopes does not like these findings and has no intention of paying the fees that he is ordered to pay.

The boy Sarty seems to have a conflict between doing the right thing and what his father makes him do. It appears that Sarty’s father doesn’t speak much and treats Sarty very sternly. The story feels like a constant turmoil between the boy and his father. It even incorporates the mother, sisters, and aunt into the story. Everyone seems scared or intimidated of the father and will do what he says even if they do not feel it is the right or moral thing to do.