William Faulkners Barn Burning - Book Report/Review Example

This basic problem is the main reason behind the conflict in the short story. Still, the protagonist knew that his brother will not help him to save his family from the aftereffects of the problems created by their father. From the beginning itself, the protagonist was against his father’s misconduct. During that time, he was not aware of future problems. When the antagonist was not ready to change his behavior, the protagonist was forced to take a strong decision, which changed his life forever.

Complication: The complication in the short story is related to the antagonist’s s decision to continue his protest against landlordism by destroying barn (say, Major de Spain’s). The work opens with a court scene where the antagonist is questioned on his role in burning his landlord’s barn. But punishment does not change the antagonist’s attitude and behavior. The speaker opines that “His father did not answer, and now for perhaps half a minute there was no sound at all save that of breathing, the faint, steady suspiration of complete and intent listening” (Faulkner, 1943).

Instead, he decides to continue his fight. In the end, the protagonist realizes that his father’s misbehavior may ruin his family. To be specific, the complication (say, the antagonist’s plot against his new landlord) forces the protagonist to face the same with boldness. He does not try to keep himself away from the problem. Instead, he tries to resolve the conflict by warning the landlord. One can see that the best way for a helpless boy to resolve the conflict is to involve in the problem in an indirect manner.

He knew that he cannot stop his father, and his brother will not help him. Still, the protagonist tries to resolve the conflict by communicating with Major de Spain. The moment of change: The moment of change in the short story is related to the protagonist’s decision to warn Major de Spain on the antagonist’s aim to destroy his barn. For instance, he knew that his initiative will ruin his future life with his family. Besides, he will be forced to flee from his private circle because no one will be ready to support him.

His mother is tired to hinder him from approaching Major de Spain and warn him of the antagonist’s aim. Still, the protagonist does not try to betray his mind. He was not ready to suffer the stress originating from his father’s misbehavior. He was aware that his father has his own reason to fight against landlordism. But he provided ample importance to the fact that his family is forced to face the issues related to his father’.