“Barn Burning”: Who Is the Real Hero? In the short story “Barn Burning” by William Faulkner, Sarty is made out to be the real hero by growing strong through family value and short life experiences his father drags him through. Sarty seems to support and have faith in his family as well as going to the extreme of lying for his father. He has learned the importance of blood shared by relatives, but at the same time knows in his heart right from wrong, which includes telling the honest truth. Even with all the conflict that is surrounded by the family Sarty must decide what is best for him in life. In spite of all the hardship Sarty has to endure, he becomes the real hero by doing the right thing.
During the first part of the story, Sarty seems to uphold enormous faith and devotion to his father. In this quote, “Enemy! Enemy!” (1005). Sarty is saying these people are also his enemies and apparently vice versa. At this point, he seems to feel his father’s blood internally, which makes him feel even more bonded. However, it is extremely difficult for Sarty when …show more content…
His father drives him to help burn barns as well as lie about doing it. However, Sarty has a clear sense of justice. This could have progressed from spending so much time in the courtroom, and paying attention to the proceedings. It is clear there is a moral code he understands that burning barns is wrong and it is immoral for his father to compel and pressurize him into participating with these acts. Sarty knows in his heart that by lying or helping with these acts he is just as guilty as his father. Sarty states, "I could run on and on and never look back, never need to see his face again" (1013) reveals the conflicts in his life: "Only I can 't. I can 't" (1013). This was Sarty’s true character as well as his dreams to do right and escape despite the societal expectations and familial loyalties that bind him to his
During the first part of the story, Sarty seems to uphold enormous faith and devotion to his father. In this quote, “Enemy! Enemy!” (1005). Sarty is saying these people are also his enemies and apparently vice versa. At this point, he seems to feel his father’s blood internally, which makes him feel even more bonded. However, it is extremely difficult for Sarty when …show more content…
His father drives him to help burn barns as well as lie about doing it. However, Sarty has a clear sense of justice. This could have progressed from spending so much time in the courtroom, and paying attention to the proceedings. It is clear there is a moral code he understands that burning barns is wrong and it is immoral for his father to compel and pressurize him into participating with these acts. Sarty knows in his heart that by lying or helping with these acts he is just as guilty as his father. Sarty states, "I could run on and on and never look back, never need to see his face again" (1013) reveals the conflicts in his life: "Only I can 't. I can 't" (1013). This was Sarty’s true character as well as his dreams to do right and escape despite the societal expectations and familial loyalties that bind him to his