Lecture on "Barn Burning"

In this lecture on William Faulkner's "Barn Burning," the speaker emphasizes the themes
of southern identity, fire, isolationism, and stream of consciousness found in the story.
They discuss the significance of blood as a symbol of familial ties and regional unity in
the old South. The speaker also explores the character of Abner Snopes, his detached
relationship with fire, and how this mirrors the prevalent sentiment of isolationism
during the Great Depression. Additionally, they delve into the protagonist's actions and
the different interpretations of his betrayal of his father. Overall, the lecture prompts a
discussion about the significance of family bonds, the American character, and
connections between "Barn Burning" and other readings.

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• 00:00:00 In this section, the lecturer introduces the topic of William Faulkner's
short story "Barn Burning" and highlights some of the interesting elements in the
story. She mentions the depiction of the South and the theme of blood as
particularly fascinating aspects. The protagonist, Colonel Sartoris, is bound to his
family by blood, even though his father engages in destructive behavior. The
references to blood throughout the story, such as the overpowering stench in the
courtroom and the old grief of blood, raise questions about its significance and
warrant further examination. The lecturer suggests that blood symbolizes both
familial ties and the regional unity of the old South that Faulkner explores in his
works.
• 00:05:00 In this section, the speaker discusses the themes of southern identity
and fire in William Faulkner's story "Barn Burning." The traditionalist mentality in
the South is portrayed as both incestuous and overpowering, leading individuals
to feel trapped in their southern roots. The protagonist, Colonel Sartoris, is
unable to escape his corrupted bloodline. The theme of fire plays a significant
role in the story, with numerous barn burnings taking place. Fire symbolizes the
father's need for independence and a way to rebel against his perceived
mistreatment in life. The speaker also highlights the father's cold and indifferent
nature, suggesting that he is a flawed and lonely character. Ultimately, the
constant burning and destruction represent the father's refusal to be tied down
by any bonds or obligations.
• 00:10:00 In this section, the speaker discusses the theme of fire in William
Faulkner's "Barn Burning" and its significance in understanding the character of
Abner Snopes. While fire typically represents warmth and comfort within a
community, Abner has a detached relationship with fire due to his isolated
nature. This isolationism is depicted through his lack of loyalty or belonging to
any side during the Civil War, as well as his cold and self-centered attitude
 towards his family. The speaker suggests that Abner's extreme isolationist
perspective mirrors the prevalent sentiment of isolationism during the Great
Depression. This analysis sets the stage for understanding the actions of Colonel
Sartoris, who feels a connection to a larger community and ultimately chooses to
expose his father's plan to burn down a barn. The section also mentions the use
of stream of consciousness writing style, as seen in Faulkner's work.
• 00:15:00 In this section, the lecturer discusses Faulkner's use of stream of
consciousness in the story "Barn Burning." The lengthy sentence excerpted from
the text demonstrates how Faulkner employs this technique to create a sense of
urgency and acceleration in the narrative. The imagery of blood and fire
intensifies the text and reflects the protagonist's emotional state. As the son is
left alone and presumed to be without a father, there is a sense of uncertainty
and cyclical repetition in his actions. On one hand, he may be mirroring his
father's destructive behavior, while on the other hand, his actions could be seen
as a sacrifice for a greater sense of justice and unity. Against the backdrop of the
Great Depression and approaching war, Faulkner prompts us to question the
significance of family ties and consider a broader, international community.
• 00:20:00 In this section, the lecturer discusses the different interpretations of the
protagonist's actions in "Barn Burning" by William Faulkner. One perspective
suggests that the protagonist's betrayal of his father should be seen negatively,
as it signifies the destruction of family bonds and ultimate isolation. This
interpretation aligns with the theme of uncertainty prevalent in modernist fiction.
The lecturer also explores how the story can be viewed in the context of the
1930s and the contrasting visions of the American project. One vision emphasizes
individualism and independence, while the other highlights communal unity and
responsibility. These conflicting visions reflect ongoing debates about the
American character. The lecturer looks forward to hearing students' thoughts on
Faulkner's portrayal of the South and their connections between "Barn Burning"
and other readings, particularly "The Grapes of Wrath".