Abner Snopes Barn Burning

Barn Burning takes place in Mississippi in the late 19th century after the Civil War. Abner Snopes is a rebel who is integrated into society after the Civil War that destroyed his life on the mountains. Being poor and uneducated, Snopes is treated unequally by the rest of society. Even though he is illiterate, he is sophisticated enough to have a clear understanding of the world. Having a deep understanding of the world, he tries to teach his son the world.

Before the Civil War, Snopes and his family lived in the mountains. They were self-sufficient, growing their own food and hunting within a small community. Living in isolation from the rest of society, they lived as free independent people. Snopes developed values of respect and equality during his life in the mountains. Due to living in the mountains, Snopes is illiterate and speaks in a primitive style. Life on the mountains ended when the Civil War began.

During the Civil War, Snopes was forced into fighting as a confederate. However, he soon realized it was not his war. In his eyes, the Civil War was a “rich man’s war”, a war over wealth and power. Feeling no connection with the war, Snopes deserts the confederates. In order to

The first barn burning shown is on a large farm owned by Mr. Harris. When Snopes’s hogs goes into the crop, Mr. Harris tells Snopes to fence up to keep the hogs out. Insulted by the direct order, Snopes refuses and doesn’t bother fencing using the wires given by Mr. Harris. Once again, the hogs became loose and Mr. Harris keeps the hogs in his pen. When Snopes went to retrieve the hogs, Mr. Harris tells Snopes he can have his hogs back if he pays a one dollar fee. At this point, Snopes goes over the edge and burns the barn. An African American is sent to Mr. Harris with a dollar bill and a message, “Wood and hay kin burn”. Believing Snopes was responsible, Mr. Harris takes Snopes to