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A father is a figure commonly known for his compassion and general
desire for the best in his family’s interest. However, this is not the
case in “Barn Burning” by William Faulkner. Abner Snopes, with complete
disregard for others, commits arsonist crimes in order to wreak havoc
against his victims in a twisted game of hatred and complete lack of
respect. His deeds force his family to move constantly. However, he is
prepared for each relocation, and plans his actions carefully. Without
emotion, he strikes his children and wife, and with the same lack of
emotion he commits each impudent act of arson or breach of respect.
Abner is vengeful, abusive, and unfeeling.
Abner is accurately portrayed as an unemotional, yet vindictive
character. In the very beginning of the story, he exacts his revenge
upon Mr. Harris by burning down his barn. This occurred after the
forewarned Abner allowed his hog to get into Mr. Harris’ corn for the
third time. “…The hog got into my corn…a nigger came with a dollar and
got the hog…” This quotation shows how Abner invoked his vengeance upon
his victims with sheer cunning. Another example of his vengeful
attitude occurs when Abner enters the home of Major de Spain, with whom
he will soon be sharecropping. “He examined the house with brief
deliberation…with the same deliberation he turned….leaving a final long
and fading smear.” This quotation demonstrates his utter hatred and
vengefulness. Abner examines the house and sees its perfection for a
final time. He takes his revenge upon Major de Spain’s success by
leaving a mark from the manure on his shoe. The final example of his
vengefulness is the strongest. Because Major de Spain is to receive ten
bushels of corn for the damage done to his rug, Abner attempts to burn
down his barn as well. “…get that can of oil…”
This quote shows Abner intended to burn down Major de Spain’s barn
as revenge for being forced to pay him ten bushels of corn. Abner
Snopes is a vindictive, heartless man.
Abner Snopes is an abusive man. He strikes his children and wife
numerous times. One case occurs after Sarty thinks of telling the court
that his father had committed a crime. “You were fixing to tell
them…His father struck him…” These quotations in which Abner hits and
shouts at Sarty, demonstrate that he abuses his son both physically and
verbally. Another example that shows the frequency of the abuse occurs
when Sarty is asked a question. “…If I had said they only wanted
truth…he would have hit me again.” This quote demonstrates that Sarty
is physically abused so often that he learned when to expect, and in
some instances, how to avoid it. Abner abused not only his children but
also his wife. Abner hit his wife when he is preparing to burn down
Major de Spain’s barn. “He flung her back…against the wall.” His abuse
is heartless and cold, but physical abuse just the same.
Abner is completely unfeeling in his actions. His tone of voice is a
“…cold, dead, voice speaking…” without emotion. Another example, is
when he maintains such a calm, emotionless composure when he speaks in
court. “…his voice cold and harsh, level, without emphasis…” Although
Abner is in a serious situation, he remains cold and unfeeling. He uses
no emphasis in what he says although what he says could mean whether he
is proven guilty or innocent. In all his actions including physical
cruelties, he maintains the same composure. For example, he “…struck
him [Sarty]…hard but without heat…exactly as he had struck the two
mules…” – with the same lack of conviction. This lack of compassion or
emotion is the same in all cases regardless of who or what the
situation concerns. Without feeling he tells the servant to get out of
his way “Get out of my way…without heat too…” His voice expresses the
same deficit of emotion when Sarty questions his authority. “…’Ain’t
you going to even send a nigger?’…the face stooping…breathless and
frozen ferocity…This quote embodies Abner Snopes overall unfeeling
being. Abner Snopes is coldhearted and emotionless.
Abner Snopes is revengeful, verbally and physically abusive, and
completely void of emotion or feeling. He commits crimes against others
in order to invoke his vengeance upon them. He abuses his family both
verbally and physically. Abner Snopes cleverly avoids the law, and
disrespects property as well as people. Abner Snopes is an emotionless
and retaliatory arsonist.
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