Barn Burning is one of the best and most intriguing stories of William
Faulkner that presents to us the darker side of human psyche and explores
the impact of man's so-called evil side and the causes that give birth to
it. It is however not a simple story even if it appears to be one on first
reading. The story is complex because it deals with a controversial issue
of evil. Through the constant struggle between good and evil, the author
wants us to see who is evil and what is evil in the real sense of the word.
On the surface, the story revolves around a poor white man who doesn't want
to be employed by his white master as he considers this employment a kind
of imprisonment. In order to avenge the cruel treatment of his rich
masters, he burns down every barn he works in. The story however is
specifically about the 10-year old boy who is caught in a situation where
he has to choose between his father and his own conscience.
The story focuses on social and racial discrimination that gives birth to
extreme resentment in those who are unable to do anything to bridge the
gap. However in the usual cases of discrimination, we encounter a black
figure pitted against white forces, but in this story, the victim is a poor
white man who is fighting for his rights against wealthier elite. Because
of the fact that Abner can see the socio-economic gap that exists in the
society and is unable to do anything about it, the only option left to him
is to destroy every barn that he works on. When he is finally caught and a
case of arson is lodged against him, we are shown the real meaning and
moral of the story. The story opens with Abner's 10-year-old boy Sarty
witnessing the arson case against his father in the court. It is during
this case that we come to learn about the crime his father has allegedly
committed and the struggle that the young boy faces later in the story.
"The boy, crouched on his nail keg at the back ...