Marxism in Barn Burning
Some of things that people think are built on a righteous foundation are often the result of actions or events that are completely dishonorable. Aspects like wealth and influence can be gained by means that are immoral and inhumane. This is the case with Sarty Snopes' fascination with the wealth of Major deSpain. He cannot see through the huge house and vast estate to the barbarity by which it was obtained. "Hit's as big as a courthouse he thought quietly" (377). Sarty Snopes' feelings towards the deSpains are misplaced due to the deSpains barbaric nature. A poor human condition can pull out a darker nature.
William Faulkner's "Barn Burning" takes place in the south during the post-Civil War era. During this time many people were adjusting to a life without slaves. Before the war, people gained wealth at the expense of cheap labor from slaves. Slavery was one of the few ways that people could manage a huge estate like the deSpain's and still be able to turn a profit. It is evident in the story that the deSpain's were possible slave owners given the fact they still have Black help now. The deSpains probably owned many more slaves before the end of the war when the institution was outlawed. Based on these facts the barbarity of the deSpains is clear. The deSpains can also be considered barbaric in the way they maintain their wealth during the time Sarty and his family move onto the deSpain's property.
Because of the absence of slavery, the deSpains now maintain their land by means of sharecropping. Sarty's father indicates how he feels about the mansion, and his new boss, "Pretty and white ain't it? That's sweat. Nigger sweat. Maybe it ain't white enough yet to suit him. Maybe he wants to mix some white sweat with it" (378). Sarty and his family are now some of deSpain's modified slaves. The fact that Major deSpain can force any race into cheap labor shows his complete lack of concern for human welfare. This lack of concern is evident when Sarty's father damages
William Faulkner's "Barn Burning" takes place in the south during the post-Civil War era. During this time many people were adjusting to a life without slaves. Before the war, people gained wealth at the expense of cheap labor from slaves. Slavery was one of the few ways that people could manage a huge estate like the deSpain's and still be able to turn a profit. It is evident in the story that the deSpain's were possible slave owners given the fact they still have Black help now. The deSpains probably owned many more slaves before the end of the war when the institution was outlawed. Based on these facts the barbarity of the deSpains is clear. The deSpains can also be considered barbaric in the way they maintain their wealth during the time Sarty and his family move onto the deSpain's property.
Because of the absence of slavery, the deSpains now maintain their land by means of sharecropping. Sarty's father indicates how he feels about the mansion, and his new boss, "Pretty and white ain't it? That's sweat. Nigger sweat. Maybe it ain't white enough yet to suit him. Maybe he wants to mix some white sweat with it" (378). Sarty and his family are now some of deSpain's modified slaves. The fact that Major deSpain can force any race into cheap labor shows his complete lack of concern for human welfare. This lack of concern is evident when Sarty's father damages