The events of ‘’Barn Burning’’ take place in American south, where people commonly are stubborn, puritan and have chauvinistic tendencies. At this moment it is stated that Sartoris’ worldview is not limited to his father’s beliefs, but is affected by other examples of life arrangement. In the short scene in the yard Faulkner (1995) describes the tossing which occurs in boy’s head between ‘‘his father and terror and despair’’ and a beautiful, clean house (p.8). Another key point in character development for Sarty is his first introduction to a different life when he and his father come to the Major’s house. The boy feels extremely terrified and bounded in front of Abner, it is narrated in Sartoris’ thoughts: ‘‘I could run on and on and never look back, never need to see his face again. Son’s PerceptionĪ great deal of information can be learned from the way Sartoris Snopes portrays his father. Loyalty is the most valuable trait for Abner, and it can only be confirmed by an unquestionable belief in everything he says or does. It is effective, because next time a struggle comes the boy himself would notice ‘‘If he wanted hit done different why didn’t he wait and tell you how’’ (Faulkner, 1995, p. The father transmits his ‘‘truth’’ to the son directly by saying ‘‘I had them beat’’ (Faulkner, 1995, p. Being, from legal perspective, a vandal, the man has no shame for his actions: both the arson and the damage he made to a rug. Abner’s ruthlessness and indifference is noticeable from the beginning, in definition of him as ‘‘wolflike’’ and depiction of his gestures towards son: ‘‘jerked him back’’ (Faulkner, 1995, pp. Bai and Sun (2017) describe him as ‘‘a man of tyrannical and fierce characteristics’’ and ‘‘not a responsible and caring father to his sons and family’’ (p. Father’s AttitudeĪbner Snopes is an exceptionally strong-charactered man with his own idea of justice, who puts no limitations on the way to what he considers right. Nevertheless, the indirect impact of Snopes’ family stressful environment can be noticed after a detailed analysis. Although, the overall image of this familial relationship appears exceptionally rude and abusive for modern readers, it was acceptable at the time. At the same time this family has a high standard of duties, a complex picture of how children should treat their parents and vice versa. Sartoris and Abner Snopes both belong to a poor, lower-class family of farmers. The communication of a father and a son is an example of the closest engagements there can be, considering their common origins and constant presence in each other’s lives. Abner Snopes is a coward because he terrorizes innocent people, but he is also brave because he chooses to live outside the society he thinks is corrupt.Any relationship between people is built upon their experience and social backgrounds. In William Faulkner's "Barn Burning" the cowardice of Abner Snopes inspires the courage of his son, Sarty.