Sarty In Faulkner's Barn Burning

Words: 616
Pages: 3

The short story “Barn Burning” reveals Sarty’s maturation in a destitute environment through his confrontation with his familial loyalty in order to break from conformity and traditional views. Sarty faces two opposing obligations and influences as he has to deal with subjugation to his own father, Abner, and his increasing commitment to integrity and justice. The conflict between these two is resolved when he asserts his own righteous perspective, further illuminating the central message that many humans desire to seek freedom from social constraints. Faulkner develops this implication through Abner and his actions, and the repeated uses of justice. Ironically, upon further examination, Abner too is in the struggle to free himself from