How Does Faulkner Present Justice In Barn Burning

Justice through the Eyes of a Child It has been stated that while doing what is right is not always easy, it is in fact doing what is right despite it being difficult that is quite the accomplishment. Justice one finds to be one of the major themes throughout “Barn Burning”. The notion of intuitive justice presents itself as a characteristic explored throughout William Faulkner’s literary masterpiece “Barn Burning” through the protagonist Colonel Sartoris Snopes, also referred to as Sarty throughout “Barn Burning”. Faulkner presents Sarty and demonstrates his sense of justice through literal actions and dramatic context. Throughout Faulkner’s “Barn Burning” the reader acknowledges that the protagonist Sarty exhibits an intuitive sense of

Sarty, whose full name is Colonel Sartoris Snopes, shares his name with a Famous Civil War Colonel in Faulkner’s word throughout “Barn Burning”. Colonel Sartoris in Faulkner’s fictional world is a distinguished confederate Colonel most likely famous for his integrity (Faulkner, 480). The significance of Sarty being named after a man regarded so highly rest in the fact that Sarty holds himself to the same high standards. Someone even remarked to Sarty before he testified against his father “I recon anybody named for Colonel Sartoris in this country can’t help but tell the truth” (Faulkner, 480). Further subtle evidences of Sarty’s intuitive sense of justice comes from Faulkner’s brief statement about the Major de Spain manor. Sarty’s first reaction to seeing the manor is “hit’s as big as a courthouse” (Faulkner, 483). In this one phrase, this singular idea that pops into Sarty’s mind, the reader gains a quick glimpse into Sarty’s consciousness. Sarty’s almost instinctive thought is of a courthouse, and not of a bank or of a church. Courthouses are synonymous with justice, doing what is moral, and punishing what is immoral. Faulkner utilizes this thought to provide a subtle indication and further demonstration of Sarty’s sense of