Barn Burning is one of the best and most intriguing stories of William
             Faulkner that presents to us the darker side of human psyche and explores
             the impact of man's so-called evil side and the causes that give birth to
             it. It is however not a simple story even if it appears to be one on first
             reading. The story is complex because it deals with a controversial issue
             of evil. Through the constant struggle between good and evil, the author
             wants us to see who is evil and what is evil in the real sense of the word.
             On the surface, the story revolves around a poor white man who doesn't want
             to be employed by his white master as he considers this employment a kind
             of imprisonment. In order to avenge the cruel treatment of his rich
             masters, he burns down every barn he works in. The story however is
             specifically about the 10-year old boy who is caught in a situation where
             he has to choose between his father and his own conscience.
             The story focuses on social and racial discrimination that gives birth to
             extreme resentment in those who are unable to do anything to bridge the
             gap. However in the usual cases of discrimination, we encounter a black
             figure pitted against white forces, but in this story, the victim is a poor
             white man who is fighting for his rights against wealthier elite. Because
             of the fact that Abner can see the socio-economic gap that exists in the
             society and is unable to do anything about it, the only option left to him
             is to destroy every barn that he works on. When he is finally caught and a
             case of arson is lodged against him, we are shown the real meaning and
             moral of the story. The story opens with Abner's 10-year-old boy Sarty
             witnessing the arson case against his father in the court. It is during
             this case that we come to learn about the crime his father has allegedly
             committed and the struggle that the young boy faces later in the story.
             "The boy, crouched on hi...