Sarty’s father, Abner, is being tried for burning down the barn of Mr. Harris. Sarty is called to stand in front of the Justice because “he knows” the truth (480). He also knows Abner wants him to lie about the fire, but the thought fills him with “frantic grief and despair” (480). Sarty has not lied to anybody, but the mere thought of knowing his father expects him to lie twists him up inside. The simple fact that lying sickens this 10 year old boy displays how honest he is in character. This honesty is integral to Sarty as a character and is the cornerstone to Faulkner's ability to tell this story that evokes such a broad variety of emotional
Sarty’s father, Abner, is being tried for burning down the barn of Mr. Harris. Sarty is called to stand in front of the Justice because “he knows” the truth (480). He also knows Abner wants him to lie about the fire, but the thought fills him with “frantic grief and despair” (480). Sarty has not lied to anybody, but the mere thought of knowing his father expects him to lie twists him up inside. The simple fact that lying sickens this 10 year old boy displays how honest he is in character. This honesty is integral to Sarty as a character and is the cornerstone to Faulkner's ability to tell this story that evokes such a broad variety of emotional