Sarty In William Faulkner's Barn Burning

William Faulkner’s rite of passage tale, “Barn Burning”, describes a young boys progressive move towards emancipation. Sarty, the young protagonist, begins to peel away from “the old fierce pull of blood” and towards a more moral lifestyle. (30) This change in character was motivated by factors that revolved around his family issues and natural sense of right and wrong. Furthermore, at the end of the passage there’s a sense of hope presented that gives light on what the boy’s future might entail. Therefore, Sarty’s transition from childhood was one of grit and bravery. The author at the beginning of the passage presents the conflict of knowing the difference between right and wrong. The audience is first shown Sarty’s slow descent from his kin’s values during the scene in court. An excerpt from the moment states, “he aims for me to lie, he thought, again with that frantic grief and despair”(31). Within the statement the conviction he feels about lying is only the beginning, which leads to not only thoughts consisting of despair and grief but also actions. Furthermore, when reflecting 20 years later Sarty states “they wanted only truth, justice”(35), this in regards to the trial
Also the many nature descriptions alludes to Sarty's new wholesome, natural state, opposed to his father's cold tin like characteristics. The description of nature is further elaborated and has been a contributing characteristic of Sarty throughout the passage. That hope that he finds at the end comes in the form of peace of mind; he has the ability to run away. The freedom from his father's strict expectations allows the son to have the opportunity to grow into a law abiding