"Barn Burning"
A Short Story by William Faulkner
About the Author
William Cuthbert Falkner was born on September 25, 1897 in New Albany, Mississippi, but eventually, his entire family decided to move to Oxford, Mississippi. Faulkner's family and Southern lifestyle strongly influenced the style and viewpoint of his writing. Later, he illegally joined the Royal Air-Force where he changed his last name to Faulkner. He did not start publishing his work until 1919, but his pieces were completely unknown until he received the 1949 Nobel Prize in literature. He is primarily known for his novels and short stories, many of which are set in the fictional Yoknapatawpha County Faulkner created to describe the old south. His most well known novels are The Sound and the Fury and Absalom, Absalom!. Faulkner gives background to his fictionalized town in "Barn Burning" through the conflict between the Snopes and De Spain families. NAS
Relation to "Becoming an Adult"
William Faulkner's "Barn Burning" follows the story of a young boy named Sarty, who will end up making a life changing decision at the end of the story. Sarty's character development is similar to a teenager's choice of declaring a major in college, which will influence the outcome of their future. While reading this story teenagers will develop an understanding for the importance of making hard decisions throughout their lifetime and being independent. NAS
"Barn Burning"
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Discussion Questions and Activities
1. What is the main symbol used throughout the entire song? Think about the title of the song.
2. What are the differences between this song and "If I Die Young?" Which one has a stronger message behind the meaning of the lyrics?
3. How does the song incorporate a longing for the loss of a loved one? Think about the symbolism used throughout the entire piece.
4. Watch the music video on the website based off of this book? How does the relation to the Day of the Dead festival help define the meaning of the song? NAS
Essay and Response Questions
1. Who is the main antagonist in the story or is the antagonist a force no character can control? Does the story contain two antagonists?
2. Who is the victim Sarty, or another member of his family? Think about the state Sarty's two sisters and older brother are in.
3. What mindset does Sarty have, his father's or the town's people? Does Sarty's mindset develop
throughout the story?
4. How does the element of fire signify Sarty's father and his beliefs? Does fire signify human nature as a whole? NAS
2. Who is the victim Sarty, or another member of his family? Think about the state Sarty's two sisters and older brother are in.
3. What mindset does Sarty have, his father's or the town's people? Does Sarty's mindset develop
throughout the story?
4. How does the element of fire signify Sarty's father and his beliefs? Does fire signify human nature as a whole? NAS
Formatting by: RLS