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Overview

“Barn Burning” is a short story by William Faulkner that was first published in 1939 in Harper’s Magazine. It has since been anthologized many times. The story is set in the fictional Yoknapatawpha County, Mississippi, in the late 19th century and is told from the perspective of a young boy named Sarty Snopes. Sarty’s father, Abner Snopes, is a tenant farmer who has a habit of burning down the barns of the wealthy landowners for whom he works. The story explores themes of loyalty, family, and justice. 

Explore a plot summary, an in-depth analysis of Colonel Sartoris Snopes, and important quotes.

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