Barn Burning Group

Question:

nija
nija
Student
High School - 12th Grade

What happens to the rug in "Barn Burning"? How does Major de Spain react to the damaged rug?

"Barn Burning" by William Faulkner.

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Posted by nija on Thursday December 18, 2008 at 9:39 AM and tagged with barn burning, major de spain, rug.

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  1. cybil Teacher
    High School - 12th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    Ab Snopes deliberately soils the rug. Before he enters the de Spain house, he steps in horse manure, which he refuses to clean from his boot. Once inside the house, he grinds his boot into the expensive carpet and stains it.

    Major de Spain takes the damaged rug to the Snopes' cabin and demands that they clean the rug. In another act of provocation, Ab instructs his wife to wash it with harsh lye soap, which completely ruins the valuable carpet.  As a result, Major sues Ab for damages, asking that an additional 20 bushels of corn be awarded to him, and the judge grants his request. Meanwhile Ab, who is outraged by this judgement, has countersued, declaring that 20 bushels is too many, and the judge agrees. However, the judge rules that Ab is responsible for the damages. Resentful, Ab decides he will burn the major's barn.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/barn-burning/summary

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    Posted by cybil on Thursday December 18, 2008 at 10:59 AM