erance, Sartys urgency increases as he struggles against his mothers grip crying Lemme go! I dont want to have to hit you!(286). Running for his life, Sarty knows he must stop him from burning down the barn. All the times he stood by and defended Abner, knowing it was wrong, wondering how he could have ever allowed himself to be so blind, flash through his mind as he runs, desperate to catch up to Abner. [H]is heart and lungs drumming,(287) he continues running to stop his father, to save him from himself. As last, Sarty makes it to de Spains house and warns him of his fathers intent. His moment of truth setting into motion a chain reaction of events that Sarty is unable to halt. He runs down the drive blood and breath roaring(287) trying to make his way to the barn and his father. His grief at betraying his father is outweighed only by his need to get to him. So, he runs harder, faster than ever and then knowing it was too late,(287) Sarty hears the shots. Bang . . . . .Bang! Bang! And it is over. The night is quiet save for the distant echo of a young boys agonizing screams Father! Father!(287)Sarty spent his entire life hiding behind the unspoken rule that blood is thicker than water. But, in the face of having to decide whether he should continue to overlook Abners amoral behavior, he chooses not to. Even though he tries to understand Abners reasoning, in his heart he cannot condone it. In a situation where Sarty-the child would be frightened to stand up against his father, Sarty-the man is not. It is unfortunate that he had to lose a father in order to regain his sense of morality, but in light of the situation he was in, it can be agreed, that he is better off....
