Sarty's Use Of Perspectivism Essay
In William Faulkner's short story, "Barn Burning," the author uses a writing technique that he often favored called "perspectivism," which is defined as:
...the doctrine that reality is known only in terms of the perspectives of it seen by individuals or groups at particular moments.
In essence, this means that for most of Faulkner's short story, the information the reader collects is from Sarty's point of view. We see things colored by his perspective. In the beginning, we know he is illiterate: only by recognizing pictures of food stores does he know what is inside each can. When Mr. Harris accuses his father, at first Sarty thinks of him as the "enemy," however, we quickly learn that Sarty is not happy with the things his father does, specifically situations that require Sarty to lie for his father. Surprisingly, this apple has fallen quite a distance from the tree: Sarty is not like his dad. Whereas Abner Snopes is a vindictive man who believes pay-backs come in the form of barn …show more content…
The switch of the narrative's perspective to the omniscient point of view allows the reader to better understand the kind of man Sarty's father is, even if Sarty does not see this completely himself.
Ironically, Sarty has a reliable perception of "the right thing." He hates to move, hates to be verbally and physically abused by his dad. He knows his father's behavior is unreasonable. When he can remain silent no longer, he runs to warn de Spain that his barn is to be burned, and takes a stand against what he knows is wrong—even though it is at his father's hand.
In using this style of writing, we—as readers—are better able to understand the internal conflict Sarty faces, and the importance of the step he takes at the end—his rite of passage into becoming an independent young man of
...the doctrine that reality is known only in terms of the perspectives of it seen by individuals or groups at particular moments.
In essence, this means that for most of Faulkner's short story, the information the reader collects is from Sarty's point of view. We see things colored by his perspective. In the beginning, we know he is illiterate: only by recognizing pictures of food stores does he know what is inside each can. When Mr. Harris accuses his father, at first Sarty thinks of him as the "enemy," however, we quickly learn that Sarty is not happy with the things his father does, specifically situations that require Sarty to lie for his father. Surprisingly, this apple has fallen quite a distance from the tree: Sarty is not like his dad. Whereas Abner Snopes is a vindictive man who believes pay-backs come in the form of barn …show more content…
The switch of the narrative's perspective to the omniscient point of view allows the reader to better understand the kind of man Sarty's father is, even if Sarty does not see this completely himself.
Ironically, Sarty has a reliable perception of "the right thing." He hates to move, hates to be verbally and physically abused by his dad. He knows his father's behavior is unreasonable. When he can remain silent no longer, he runs to warn de Spain that his barn is to be burned, and takes a stand against what he knows is wrong—even though it is at his father's hand.
In using this style of writing, we—as readers—are better able to understand the internal conflict Sarty faces, and the importance of the step he takes at the end—his rite of passage into becoming an independent young man of