Colonel Sartoris Thesis

The aspect of family has existed since the beginning of the human race. Members of each family look out for one another and care for each other in times of sickness or tragedy. Through times of triumph or misfortune a family remains united. Colonel Sartoris is a testament to the idea of family. This young boy has had a difficult life, however, he still resides with his mother and father. When troubling times emerged, Colonel Sartoris stood beside his father and did what was asked of him. In many respects, Sarty was an exceptional young man. This loyalty however did not stop the constant abuse that was administered by his father. This mental and physical abuse, culminating with other reasons, ultimately led to Colonel Sartoris changing his position

on loyalty to his family and specifically his father. The developments that Sarty made throughout the story can be attributed to the abuse and neglect he experienced, the sense of morality that grows within him throughout the story, and the impact these days had on his future.
From the beginning of the story, the abuse that Sarty endures is very apparent. After the court session where his father is being accused of burning down a barn, Sarty is reprimanded and hit on the side of the head by his father. His father thought that Sarty was planning to tell the truth in court. Another instance of this abuse is when Sarty’s father violently grabs him and gives him to his mother before he burns the De Spain barn. Not only was Colonel Sartoris abused but Mrs. Sartoris was also feeling the wrath of her husband's cruel hand. Sarty witnesses this violence towards his mother and all of these encounters added to the resentment he had for his father.
The amount of resentment that Sarty withholds for his father causes him to be more truthful when describing the nature of his father's endeavors to others. Every child has a certain sense of what is right and wrong. This attribute became more evident in Sarty as the story advanced. At first, Colonel Sartoris would barely consult his moral conscience, but towards the end of the passage, he made a drastic decision based solely on his morality. As the story progresses, Colonel Sartoris begins to realize what his father does is extremely wrong. He also understands that contributing to the crime makes him guilty as well. When Sarty first entered the De Spain mansion, he realized that he could have a better life that was not full of violence and abuse. This event causes a change in Sarty’s attitude. He now believes that telling the whole truth may have consequences, but eventually, he will become a better and more successful person by doing so. Throughout his entire childhood, Colonel Sartoris has witnessed abuse, lies, violence, and the repercussions of his father's actions. Sarty decided that he wanted to do what was right for once in his life.
Nearing the climax of the story, Colonel Sartoris makes an enormous decision based on what he believes is right and wrong.

He decides to betray his family and tell Major De Spain about his father burning the barn. In doing this, he is no longer loyal to his family. This disloyalty makes Sarty feel atrocious, and he begins to regret his actions to a certain degree. Colonel Sartoris begins to comprehend what he has set into motion, and now his family must pay for his behavior. The reasoning behind this sudden change of heart is not one specific reason but instead many ones combined. The abuse that Sarty has experienced along with the changes that have impacted his conscience throughout the story caused him to change his mind and tell the truth. His hatred towards his father also fuels the fire of betrayal. He believes that he can have a better life for himself, therefore resulting in his disloyalty to his family. This climax significantly affected the future of Colonel Sartoris. Because of his actions, Sarty decides that he can no longer return home to his family; he must run away. As dawn approaches the next day, Sarty begins to walk again, furthering himself even more from his past. The birds in the trees and the overall mood of that morning suggest a new life, full of opportunities and promise for the young

boy.
William Faulkner’s Barn Burning is a story that can resonate with a vast majority of society. A significant portion of the population can put themselves in Sarty’s position. Sarty did his best to get himself out of a terrible situation. By telling the truth, he opened up a new world of possibilities for himself. Even though he left his past behind him, his future would shine bright like a diamond. For only being ten years of age, Sarty exhibited an extreme amount of bravery. Everyone who reads this story should admire this young boy for displaying this much courage in such a troubling time.