The Dynamics of Sarty

             In the story Barn Burning by William Faulkner, the character Colonel Sartoris Snopes, nicknamed Sarty, displays many different and interesting traits. Most of these characteristics are seen through his thoughts that the author includes periodically throughout the story. The thoughts in the reading lead you to the conclusion that Sarty is definitely a character who is very dynamic and self motivated. In the beginning of the story in the courtroom scene, the reader is first introduced to the idea that Sarty is very proud of and in awe of his father. This is shown when Sarty is thinking about his father's enemy being his as well, "ourn! mine and hisn both! He's my father!"(N590). These statements are very relative and sharp with the meaning; Sarty respects his father and is especially proud to be his son, and he will help defend him however necessary. This includes lying to a judge in a court of law as seen in the next thought of Sarty, "He aims for me to lie...And I will have to do hit."(N591) Sarty is willing to put his own honesty on the line to help his father Abner. Although, right after the trial is over, Sarty begins to question his father and his thoughtless actions. When the family is on the wagon leaving the town that they had been banished from, Sarty begins to see that perhaps his father is not so perfect and just. As the family arrives at the doors to their next home, Sarty admires the owner's impressive living area. Jus the sight of such a huge and wonderful place makes him think that it is "impervious to the puny flames he might contrive..."(N594). Sarty is very hopeful about their new situation and hopes his father is the same way, "Maybe he will feel it too. Maybe it will even change him now from what maybe he couldn't help but be"(N594). Now, rather than feeling proud of his father for what he is, Sarty shows that he wants Abner to change; from the wording i
             ...

More Essays:

APA     MLA     Chicago
The Dynamics of Sarty. (2000, January 01). In MegaEssays.com. Retrieved 17:28, October 06, 2026, from https://www.megaessays.com/viewpaper/53902.html