“Blood Is Thicker Than Water” The short story "Barn Burning," by William Faulkner, is a stark look at the struggle of a boy torn between trying to do what is morally right and trying to be loyal to his family during the post Civil War era. Faulkner illustrates the theme of justice versus loyalty to one’s kin by constantly referring to the symbol of blood. The main character, Sartoris Snopes, is a son of …showed first 75 words of 797 total…

…showed last 75 words of 797 total…free will in Abner's ideal family. Sartoris is the only member of the family that can distinguish between right and wrong. The ideal of justice finally prevails over blind loyalty to ones family. Justice is served when punishment comes to the father. Although “blood is thicker than water,” Sortoris finally realizes that his moral obligation is more important than loyalty to a despicable disgrace of a man that happens to be his father. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **Bibliography**