Artifact 7: William Faulkner's "Barn Burning"

Classmates,

I'm writing in response to William Faulkner's "Barn Burning." I was surprised how bitter the father, Abner, was in this story. I understand why he is bitter, being unhappy with his position in life and not being treated fairly just because he was black, although after recently learning more about blues music I was surprised at the way Abner acted toward his family. I got the impression from reading about the black culture in Harlem and listening to the blues music that there was pain and suffering experienced by blacks, but that they supported each other somewhat and helped each other through difficult times because they were all experiencing the same problems. This was not true with Abner, he seemed to ignore what his family wanted but I did not get the feeling he was doing this in a selfish way. Instead, the impression I received was that at some point earlier in his life Abner must have mentally snapped and could no longer tolerate the treatment he received having someone constantly "own ...[his] body and soul" (1965). After no longer being able to tolerate doing whatever he was told he must have become very bitter and was no longer able to think rationally. No one in his family could even make him behave and stop burning and ruining other people's property. Another reason I think he was not completely mentally stable is because he did not seem to feel any remorse at all for any cruel acts he performed. He was proud of everything he did and seemed to believe that the white people deserved the damage he brought to them. Although, he was not boastful about his destructive habits either, he seemed glad that he did things, but didn't want to discuss them or brag since he didn't want to get caught. It was difficult to completely understand Abner's character with the story being from another character's point of view.

Because of Abner's mental state and his obsession with destruction and burning I think that the greatest conflict in this story is between Abner and his son Sarty. It was difficult for Sarty to choose to leave his family, but this was the best choice he was left with after seeing that his father would truly not change. Throughout the story he seemed to have faith that this time "maybe this is the end of it" (1969) referring to Abner's bitterness, vengeful attitude and destructive nature. I don't know if I would agree that Abner had absolutely no control at all over his actions, but he seemed to have very little control because to me he seemed to be going insane. Sarty must have felt helpless in this situation and decided that there was nothing left he could do except to separate himself from his father and his father's reputation so that he himself could live a better life. Although the story doesn't really discuss the anguish Sarty must have felt inside, debating whether he should stay with his family or leave, the narrative leaves the reader wondering all the pros and cons Sarty must have considered in his decision to leave. Also, when I was through reading I wondered what Sarty was thinking as he sat alone in the woods looking forward to his life ahead in which he has to start all over with no family or support; the only thing he was taking with him was the lessons he learned from his past.

Sincerely,
Melissa Zarnoch