William Faulkner - Barn Burning

          The short story “Barn Burning” by William Faulkner is a simple look at the struggle of a boy trying to do what is right, or do what is best for his family during the post-Civil War era.  Sartoris Snopes, the main character, is a poor son of a traveling renter farmer.  At the beginning of the story he is questioned about the burning of a farmers barn by his father, Abner Snopes.  The young boy is torn between saying what is right, telling the truth, or lying to protect his father.  The boy was never forced to tell the judge about his father burning the barn, but is certain that he would have told if he was asked.  Abner Snopes, the father, is a soldier from the Civil War.  He was a skill for burning down the barns of those who crossed his path.  Faulkner uses the symbol of blood to explain the theme of loyalty to the family.  The theme of blood is illustrated when the young boy is to testify and is being pressured by his father to lie.   When the boy is put on the stand in the improvised courtroom he is pressured because he knows that his father will do something foolish if he tells the truth.  The young boy was also told that some things are more important than the truth and family is the most important thing.  Abner states “You would have told them” to his young son.  I believe that this statement shows how the boy feels toward his blood father and how even though it would have been a lie he should have testified in his father’s favor.  This also shows how the father feels about family.  The blood in a plain sense appears as well, highlighting the passion of the ties among family.  An example of this is when the Snopes’ left the temporary courthouse at the beginning of the story and a local boy accuses Snopes of being a barn burner and then Sartoris spins around to confront him, then the boy hits Sartoris and bloodies his face.  The blood that is dried and caked on his face during the ride out of town is a mark of pride:  Sartoris defended his family name.  Abner once again plans to burn a barn.  Sartoris understands that family loyalty comes with a great cost and a heavy burden.  Sartoris rejects family royalty and betrays his father by warning de Spain that his barn is about to be burned.  The family is finally free when Snopes is killed at the end of the story.  Snopes is presumably shot to death by de Spain.  The whole family was loyal but they still ended up alone.                                        

SparkNotes Editors. “SparkNote on Barn Burning.” SparkNotes.com. SparkNotes LLC. 2007. Web. 22 Mar. 2011.