At the beginning of William Faulkner's story "Barn Burning," the Judge and Mr. Harris decide, after a few tense moments, not to question Sarty regarding his father's possible involvement in the burning of Mr. Harris' barn. There is plenty of evidence to suggest that their hesitation is caused by multiple negative impressions of the Snopes family. To begin with, they clearly don't expect Mr. Snopes, Sarty's father, to tell the truth regarding the incident and deem it equally unproductive to question Sarty's older brother. In determining who to question, they look to the innocence of youth to tell the truth, but upon bringing him to the front of the room, Sarty's thoughts make it clear that he, too, is expected to lie for the protection of the family. However, there is also a sense of compassion in the other men. Harris displays this compassion in his treatment of Mr. Snopes by first giving him the material needed to build a fence to keep the errant hog in his own yard and then charging a minimum fee for the return of the animal after it again cost Mr. Harris money and Mr. Snopes hadn't bothered to make the fence. Then there is the strict, straight, stern stance of Mr. Snopes in the impromptu courtroom as Sarty is brought up front. Mr. Snopes doesn't even look at his young son, sending the message both that he is expected to lie and that he will be very harshly treated if he doesn't lie. The poor state of Sarty's clothing, too small even for his small frame and with no shoes, further demonstrates the harm that could come to him if he is forced to testify against his father. It is clear that the Judge and Mr. Harris consider the Snopes family to be highly dishonorable, abusive, and not worth the time it would take to prosecute.
Works Cited
Faulkner, William. "Barn Burning." Harper's Magazine. 1939. Print.
