Character Development in "Barn Burning" by William Faulkner

"Barn Burning", by William Faulkner describes the development of Colonel Sartoris Snopes (Sarty) with his coming to manhood and the concomitant rejection of his father (Mr Snopes). From the beginning of the story, we witness the growing conflict between the two characters which is identified from the beginning of the text with the boy's anxiety in the courthouse. Nevertheless, through this latent emotional (and physical) rebellion, what the boy comes through is the discovery of …

…Sarty identifies himself with an image different than his father's, and only by violating his blood does he gain his freedom. Whether Mr Snopes is actually killed, we do not know; it's not important. For Sarty, his father is dead. He feels relieved because he has destroyed the overwhelming image that threatened his awakening identity and at last, fear and terror are gone. His nightmare ended, he awakens at peace and ready for the future.