The Expression of Characters in Barn Burning by William Faulkner

552 Words2 Pages

In the short story “Barn Burning”, characters are expressed in several different ways. The author does so by adding symbolic meaning behind each character’s actions. Each decision means something, and every detail matters when evaluating characters within this story. The way the story progresses the reader can experience the growth of the character. One person that really experiences this growth is Sarty. Sarty is a young boy who is confined by the expectations to stand up for family members whether or not he has to lie for them or not. A case where this happens within the story is during the exposition whenever the judge questions Sarty during trial over his father burning down a barn. Sarty answers all of the judge’s questions in regards to saving his father, but is upset because he goes against his morals. Sarty’s loyalty to his family is tested time and time again. He lets fear take over and affect his true sense of morals. This depiction of Sarty drastically changes throughout the story. Sarty's loyalty to his father appeared to come from a long time fear of the consequen...

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