Barn Burning: An Endless Circle
William Faulkner's short story "Barn Burning" is the tale of a southern
man forced into a role by society. "Barn Burning" takes place in the post Civil
War South where a mans place in society is derived by their actions during the
war. Ab Snopse, a man who served both the North and the South, is plagued with
his non-allegiance and failure to accept authority. When Ab comes into conflict
with his employer, he finds himself taking control from the authority figure,
and reverting back to his mercenary ways. Having no allegiance, Ab makes the
move from helping hand to the enemy by burning down barns.
Along with many of Faulkner's short stories, "Barn Burning" is set in
the imaginary Mississippi county of Yoknapatawpha. During the restoration of
the South, the time period following the Civil War, the only thing that kept the
South alive and running where the memories of fallen heroes and the belief that
the South would someday regain the status......
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Approximate Pages: 3 (260 words per double-spaced page) |