Barn Burning

"Barn Burning" is a short story by William Faulkner that explores themes of loyalty, morality, and social class. It follows a young boy named Sarty, whose father, a sharecropper, habitually commits acts of arson against those he resents, including burning barns. The narrative examines Sarty’s internal conflict between family loyalty and his developing sense of right and wrong. Ultimately, the story highlights the struggle of moral growth amid a cycle of violence and injustice, illustrating how personal integrity can clash with loyalty to family and tradition.