I had read “Barn Burning,” by William Faulkner while in high school, and as I opened up the pages to begin reading the story once again, there was only one thing I vividly remembered about the short story. The one memory I had was the hatred I felt towards the little boys father, who I would soon be reminded was named Abner Snopes. Snopes’ conscience is completely absent throughout the story. Unfortunately, his lack of conscience and respect for others brings his family down as well, forcing them to move from one town to another. One family member who is constantly struggling with staying loyal to his family or doing what he knows is right is Sartois, “Sarty,” Snopes’ son.
I believe the use of foreshadowing is used at the beginning of the story to introduce Sarty’s feelings against his father’s actions. The justice states “I reckon anybody named for Colonel Sarty in this country can't help but tell the truth, can they?" This foreshadows to readers that the little boy eventually will live up to this name and tell the truth behind his father’s actions.
There are many symbols used throughout the story, but one which is extremely evident is the symbol of fire. I think fire is used to express Snopes’ emotions, as they are filled with hatred and anger, as well as out of control. Fire also expresses Snopes’ inability to provide for his family. Fire forces the family to move from town to town, and when they are forced to leave town after Mr. Harris’ barn burns down, Snopes can barely build a fire to keep his family warm as they travel to their next destination. Lastly, fire is used as a symbol in the end to show the death of Mr. Snopes. As Mr. Snopes planes to burn the de Spain’s barn, Sarty finally rejects his father’s wishes and tell the de Spains of what his father is about to do. Sarty’s actions lead to Mr. Snopes’ death, as well as no fire and no barn burning.
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