"Barn Burning" by William Faulkner

My Reflections on “Barn Burning” by William Faulkner

In the story, “Barn Burning,” it felt like a mysterious story to me. The story seems to be told from the boy’s point of view named Sarty. Sarty experiences fear and turmoil throughout the story until the end relief. The story also felt like it popped in and out of time sequence as well.


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.