Short story Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Short story - Essay Example Conversely, Sarty seeks freedom from the life that the family lived. In this case, the road to Sarty’s independence from his father’s grip is a way of seeking individual fulfillment. Hence, Faulkner’s book typifies the American culture, as this expose will posit, while focusing on Barn Burning. To begin with, Faulkner indicates that, Sarty’s father had a â€Å"wolflike independence and even courage when advantage was at least neutral, which impressed strangers† (Faulkner 476). In this case, this is a clear depiction of the American culture of individual fulfillment. By depicting Snopes, Sarty’s father as independent and courageous, Faulkner underlines the importance of independence, which leads to individual fulfillment since he is able to achieve satisfaction although he ends hurting his family. In this regard, it is only through being independent and courageous that an individual acquires self-fulfillment. In the American society, being ind ependent and having courage typifies an individual who has attained self-fulfillment. Conflicts and violence surround Sarty’s life, which leads to an overwhelming fear, grief, and despair. In effect, Sarty seeks to attain peace in order to be free from these turbulent emotions (Faulkner). Therefore, this typifies the American culture of seeking individual fulfillment from turbulent emotions such as grief, fear, and despair, which engulf an individual. Throughout the story, it is evident that Sarty struggles with despair, grief, and fear due to his family’s demands on one side. On the other hand, he develops an opinion towards morality, which is contrary to the family’s views and demands. In line with this, Faulkner's book is significant in typifying the American culture of individual fulfillment whereby an individual seeks to map their own path different from that of the family depending on their ideas of right and wrong. Peace, joy, and dignity are the most imp ortant appealing aspects of a different life for Sarty, which is not available in the Snopes’ household. In effect, this is significant since it exemplifies the American culture whereby individuals work towards finding dignity, joy, and peaceful coexistence with each other in their daily lives. In addition, achieving dignity, peace, and joy is crucial towards the path of individual fulfillment. For this reason, achievement of peace, joy, and dignity signifies the American dream that people all over the world seek to experience and hence come into the country as they seek individual fulfillment. Faulkner illustrates that an individual can achieve fulfillment through different ways. One of this ways, and perhaps one of the most important way that typify the American culture, is through bringing honor and intensifying family ties. Case in point, as the Snopes’ leave the courtroom following their father’s case, a boy who accused Abner of being a barnburner hits Sart y who confronted the boy, and consequently bloodying his face. In a way, the blood that dried and caked on Sarty face represents a sense of individual fulfillment that he had defended the family’s honor regardless of the cost (Faulkner 477). In a similar way, the American culture realizes that the family is the most important thing in life, and it comes under substantial cost. Hence, to defend the family against outsiders brings forth individual fulfil