Barn Burning: A Critical Analysis

In Faulkner’s “Barn Burning” the young Sarty Snopes defines the thin line between familial loyalty and following one’s conscience. As a poor share cropping family, the Snopes’ life is one of hardship and sacrifice. Abner, the patriarch of the family, is so enraged at their low socioeconomic status that his only solace is pure destruction. Not only does Abner destroy other’s personal property, he makes it his mission to devalue his family at every opportunity. Despite the dysfunction of his family, Sarty feels he is obligated to be loyal to the blood ties that bind him. His life is at a crossroads. Still not a man, but not quite a boy, Sarty knows in his heart that the Snopes family will do nothing but lead him down the same path of devastation. Abner has spent his life teaching his family that anyone with social superiority is a blood enemy; for that they must pay and the penalty is fire. Each time Abner sets a barn ablaze, the dream of a life without devastation smolders in the flames. Sarty is put in a position where he must face adult conflict and decide for himself what the right choice is and what is the wrong choice. If he stays with his family, Sarty will never be able to escape his gloomy fate. If he leaves, he risks loosing the only family he has ever known. This conflict runs deep within him. Despite his father’s cruelty, Sarty still feels devotion to him; however undeserving it may be. When Abner was on trial for the burning of his landlords’ barn, Sarty admits that if forced he might even lie for his father. He rationalizes his devotion with an idealized version of his father’s past. He believes that at one time Abner was a good man; going so far as to believe that he was once a loyal soldier in General Satoris’ forces. Though these stories are complete fabrications, they give Sarty a reason to hope. If Sarty can believe Abner once carried the traits of an honorable man he can understand that evil isn’t born, it is created. When Sarty decides to warn De Spain that Abner was going to burn his barn to ashes, he knows that the life he has lived up to this point was over. Sarty can never go back to his father. Turning his back on his own blood makes it impossible to rejoin the Snope’s family. Sarty decides that loyalty to his conscience is more important than supporting the indecency of his father.  

This scene from the theatrical portrayal of "Barn Burning" demonstrates a pivotal moment in the story where Sarty decides to abandon the life of destruction laid out by his father, Abner.