he burns his landlord's barns and that no one, even the lawmen, could stop him. The only one, besides his victims, that seemed to be hurt by his actions was his family. Like a large fire raging out of control, the family was thrown into the fire and had to suffer the consequences. It was as if "fire spoke to some deep mainspring of his father's being" (400)The rest of Sarty's family consisted of twin sisters, an aunt, older brother and his mother. They are all very passive and always seemed to carry on the father's will, as if the could not think for themselves. Sarty is the only one that will go against his father's wishes. The brother, always followed his father's lead. He was just an extension of his father, following in his footsteps. It was as if he had already accepted his place in life, and was to live the same as his father does. His mother did not agree with her husband's lifestyle, but did not dare go against him, knowing the price she would have to pay. Many of the family hardships are brought upon them by the consequences of Abners behavior. Abner and Sarty always saw things just the opposite. Abner describes to Sarty that Major de Spain's house is "Pretty and white, ain't it? He said. That is sweat. Nigger sweat. Maybe it ain't white enough yet to suit him. Maybe he wants to mix some white sweat with it?" (402) When Sarty saw the home he thought to himself "Hit's big as a courthouse" (401)When Abner decides to burn Mr. de Spain's barn, Sarty felt he had enough of his father's meanness and would stand for it any longer. He felt sick of this lifestyle and was ready to go against his blood, if that was what it would take to be set free. He ran to the Major's home to warn him of his father's intent to burn his barn, then ran for his freedom. ...
