William Faulkner Unit: Analyzing Characters

Today we are beginning our study of William Faulkner and his fictional world of Yoknapatawpha County, Mississippi. Faulkner drew on his Southern heritage to create complex characters and people a county with them. As we watch “Barn Burning” today, pay close attention to these three characters: Mr. Abner Snopes, Sarty Snopes, and Mrs. Snopes. What character traits do they exhibit? What motivates them to behave the way they do?

After watching the video, you will look over the Character Descriptors sheet in your notebook and choose at least three words that describe each character. Then you will write a well- developed paragraph about each character. Each paragraph should give at least three character traits for the character and strong evidence from the video that proves the character displays that trait.

Grading Criteria

v A minimum of three appropriate character traits have been given for Abner Snopes

v Each of the character traits is supported with evidence from the video

v A minimum of three appropriate character traits have been given for Sarty Snopes

v Each of the character traits is supported with evidence from the video

v A minimum of three appropriate character traits have been given for Mrs. Snopes

v Each of the character traits is supported with evidence from the video

v Adherence to grammar, mechanics, and spelling conventions