Why is the style in Barn Burning?

In typical Faulkner style, Barn
Burning infuses a myriad of literary licenses aimed to create a connection
between the reader and the story. In the case of Barn Burning the
first thing that stands out from Faulkner's creative license is the use of very long
sentences- some of them containing up to sixteen independent or dependent clauses. The
result is constant and non-stop description, narrative, and
action.

This "Faulkner rambling" is characteristic for the
inclusion of the many sensations that Sarty experiences now that, for the first time, he
becomes aware of the disconnect between his mentality and that of his
father.

As a growing, young man, Sarty is starting to
discover life on his own. Young men in the Old South, especially, are given the chance
to freely explore and indulge in their senses. Sarty has to develop these sensations
under the guard of his senseless father. The result of Sarty's emotional state going
randomly from his loyalty to his father to his own personal growth creates what is known
as a stream of consciousness narrative. This is a way of telling a story in a sort of
convoluted way which can go from past to present, or vice versa. The narrative does not
have to flow in perfect rythm. Instead, it can be interrupted, and it can focus on
several themes in no particular order.

One final
observation on the style of Barn Burning is that the story is told
from the perspective of Sarty, who is a ten year old boy. No matter who else takes part
in the story, we will experience, feel, and witness everything from a ten year old's
view. This entails two things: First, that if the story were to be told from another
character's point of view, the story may lose some of its emotional appeal. Second, that
the story may also be slightly exaggerated given that ten year old is a more emotional
and impressionable witness than the average adult
narrator.

In all, Barn Burning (like
any other Faulkner story) is unique and full of a diversity of literary devices that
make it fun and quick to read. Yet, the style also appeals to the natural curiosity of
the reader and connects the reader to the story, effortlessly.