Morality centers on the idea of mutual respect among people and is captured by "The Golden Rule," which advises treating others as you would wish to be treated. Ab Snopes repeatedly and intentionally breaks this rule. He mistreats his son, controls his wife, starts disputes with innocent individuals, and engages in arson. During his time as a soldier, he was similarly ruthless and self-serving, enlisting mainly to take advantage of opportunities for looting. Morality finds its ethical representation through the law, requiring an objective determination of truth. "Barn Burning" traces Sarty's journey from being caught in his father's self-centered disorder to embracing morality and law. This shift also represents his transition from a natural state of primal unity to a cultural state of alignment with societal institutions.