“Barn Burning” by William Faulkner symbolizes the destructiveness of the human ego through the character of Abner Snopes. Throughout the story, Snopes functions and communicates based on its own logic. He has no respect for his family, his superiors or the justice system. His relentless effort to live by what he believes is "right" creates an atmosphere of fear and oppression. After the barn trial, Snopes' behavior towards his son, Colonel Sartoris, clearly demonstrates his use of fear and intimidation to gain respect and compliance. within his family. Although the boy suffers physical and emotional trauma as a result of the trial, Abner cannot and does not allow his wife to express any form of empathy. However, he chastises his son by hitting him and lecturing him about manhood. “You're becoming a man. You have to learn to stick to your blood, otherwise you won't have blood to stick to you. Do you think any of them, any man here this morning, would do that? Don't you know that all they wanted was a chance to get me because they knew I had beaten them?" (Faulkner 501). Zender argues: He is a dark and imposing obstacle to his son's development as a man. (28)The attempt to Kelly 2Abner to provide paternal guidance is actually an opportunistic moment to justify his strong beliefs. This domineering attitude not only affects Satoris but the entire family Pinion suggests: he gathers his family around him, because they are the only truth that he knows, and tries to make them see the world as he does. (3) He continues to validate his behavior as the story progresses. His effort to filter Sarty with his way of thinking continues ...... center of paper ......on. Now the question arises whether Snopes' selfishness will ultimately destroy the man Sarty is struggling to become. Throughout the story, Abner Snopes does not never deviates from his self-fulfilling perspective on life. He totally ignores the needs of his family and anyone else who gets in his way. Continues to engage in self-centered and demeaning behaviors. Snopes allows his personal situation in life to destroy his goal of leading his family based on his beliefs. This human flaw ultimately generates a chain of chaotic events that he himself cannot control. Snopes chooses to follow a particular path throughout his life even though he has personally witnessed its effects. A path to destruction is one that Snopes obviously embraces regardless of the repercussions anyone, including his family, might face as a result of his actions..