Moral Development in William Faulkner’s “Barn Burning”

William Faulkner’s “Barn Burning” tells the story of a young boy, Sarty, and his father, a

man who exhibits a pattern of criminal and dishonest behavior. Both demonstrate differing levels

of maturity with regards to their moral reasoning skills. These levels are reflected in Kohlberg’s

Theory of Moral Development, which includes three levels of moral development that are further

subdivided into six stages (OpenStax College, 301). Both Sarty and Abner’s actions are

characteristic of several of Kohlberg’s stages, allowing for their moral development to be

followed throughout the piece. Abner appears set in his criminal ways, and Sarty initially

demonstrates compliance. However, Sarty later shows that he is beginning to redefine what he

considers to be right and wrong. Ultimately, Sarty shows that he is more morally mature than his

father.

Abner shows an immature sense of morality. When Abner suspects that Sarty is going to

alert the justice of the Peace that his father was to blame for Mr. Harris’ barn burning, he

reprimands Sarty by telling him to “stick to your own blood or you ain’t going to have any blood

to stick to you.” Essentially, he is advocating that Sarty lie in the interest of preserving the

family, or else the family will not show loyalty to him in return. In actuality, Abner is

manipulating his son to lie to protect Abner himself, the only true criminal in the Snopes family.

This blatant manipulation of his own son shows that Abner’s only interest is to evade the law.

This is the defining characteristic of stage one of pre-conventional morality, where “behavior is

driven by avoiding punishment” (OpenStax College, 301). Additionally, Abner acts according to

self-interest, a trait characteristic of stage two of pre-conventional morality. His character shows

a complete disregard for the law, from committing arson to spite those who have “wronged” him

to stealing horses during the Civil War. These actions demonstrate that he does what he wants
while disregarding how he may be negatively affecting others. According to Kohlberg, this

pattern of selfish behavior is characterized by stage two of pre-conventional morality, where

“behavior is driven by self-interest and rewards” (OpenStax College, 301). As an adult, Abner

should display post-conventional morality, where “behavior is driven by the balance of social

order and individual rights.” However, his moral growth is clearly stunted as the level of

morality he displays here is typically expected of a young child (OpenStax College, 301-302).

In the beginning of the story, Sarty’s moral compass is governed by his loyalty to his

family. In one of the first glimpses inside Sarty’s head, he thinks that the justice of the Peace and

Mr. Harris are the “enemy.” This is due to his perception that they oppose his family. Sarty even

attacks a stranger outside of the store in defense of his family after his father is called a “barn

burner.” His behavior is driven by seeking social approval from his family members as all of his

actions and thoughts have been in defense of them. In this way, Sarty displays stage three of

conventional morality, where “behavior is driven by social approval” (OpenStax College, 302).

Moreso, Sarty seeks approval particularly from his father, which is evident when he lies to the

justice of the Peace, telling him that Abner was not responsible for the barn burning. Sarty knows

this act will please his father specifically. Although the behavioral model Sarty adheres to is not

ideal, he already displays a more mature sense of morality than Abner with regards to Kohlberg’s

theory.

When Sarty attempts to pacify Abner’s rage in order to stop him from hurting any more

people, he shows he has matured in his moral reasoning. After Abner is punished by de Spain for

ruining his rug, Sarty anticipates Abner’s anger and preemptively tries to calm him. Faulkner’s

use of language such as “…he cried” emphasizes the desperation in Sarty’s voice while he tries

to placate Abner. Furthermore, once Sarty believes he has successfully controlled Abner’s anger,
he begins to daydream that the “terror and grief” caused by his father will finally come to an end.

Sarty is then clearly shocked and upset when he realizes Abner is going to follow through with

the barn-burning anyway. This reaction is the first piece of definitive evidence that Sarty is

beginning to disapprove of his father and foreshadows Sarty completely defying him. The action

Sarty takes here against his father is also the precursor for his advancement to stage four of

conventional morality.

By warning de Spain about Abner, Sarty shows that his moral reasoning has matured.

When he tries to prevent his father’s feelings of anger, Sarty shows that he is apprehensive about

the morality of his father’s attitude. However, his advancement in moral reasoning is solidified

when he saves de Spain’s barn from the same fate as Mr. Harris’. As the story reaches its climax,

Sarty demonstrates a distinct shift in character as he warns de Spain even with the knowledge

that he is jeopardizing the safety and freedom of his family, especially Abner. He even thinks, “I

could run on and on and never look back, never need to see his face again. Only I can’t.” Here

Sarty acknowledges that he could simply leave his family behind in the interest of his own

safety, but decides to selflessly save de Spain’s property instead. This is the distinct and defiant

act that shows he has reached stage four of conventional morality, where “behavior is driven by

obeying authority and conforming to social order” (OpenStax College, 302). Sarty conforms to

societal values in which respecting the law is the norm.

In the end, Sarty develops an advanced view of morality compared to Abner. Although

Sarty’s initial sense of morality is similar his father’s, he displays a precocious sense of morality

by the end of the piece as Kohlberg theorized that individuals typically reach stages of

conventional morality in adolescence, and Sarty has not yet reached this age (OpenStax College,

301). By demonstrating his alignment with stage four of conventional morality, he has surpassed
not only his father with regards to moral development, but other children his age. Additionally,

the fact that he has followed this natural development thus far gives reason to believe that Sarty

will continue to develop a healthy sense of morality as he matures into adulthood. Faulkner’s

piece shows that a child’s view of morality does not always mirror that of their family or peers,

and that they may develop an individual sense of morality.

 References

Faulkner, William. "Barn Burning."Harper's Magazine, June 1939, reprinted in Collected Stories,
New York: Random House, 1950.

OpenStax College, Psychology. OpenStax College. 8 December 2014.

http://cnx.org/content/col11629/latest/.