A Real "Barn Burner"
In William Faulkner's short story "Barn Burning" characterization plays a central role in the development and action of the storyline. One character, more so than others in this regard, deserves special attention; this character is named Abner Snopes, and he creates most of the conflict in this story. In most literary scenarios, a father is portrayed as sensitive, caring, and genuinely interested in his family's well being. In "Barn Burning," this is not the case. Abner Snopes is an unfeeling, hateful person who commits acts of retribution and vengeance according to his own twisted sense of right and wrong. And further, he commits violent acts toward his family, and shows no remorse. To put it bluntly, Abner is vengeful, abusive, and unfeeling, and Abner exemplifies these character traits through his actions and mentality.
Abner is a dark presence in "Barn Burning," manifesting himself from the outset of the story as a vengeful person. For example, when......
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Approximate Word Count: 982
Approximate Pages: 4 (260 words per double-spaced page) |