Comparing Barn Burning And Crane's The Blue Hotel

Irrational fear is a primal force of destruction in Faulkner’s “Barn Burning, and Crane’s “The Blue Hotel”. Fear drives Abner Snopes and Swede to destroy themselves and others. It is the inner core of each man and how he sees himself in the world that create a hostile reaction toward society. Snopes and Swede both see themselves as victims and engage in brutal combat. As each man sees himself a victim, each man attempts to vindicate himself through violence. The unprovoked and dastardly deeds of Snopes and Swede, driven by a victim mentality, result in their isolation and alienation from society at large. Each man becomes his own victim by his own hand. Purification by fire and blood is not enough to save either character, but it does

In “The Blue Hotel”, Johnny cheated Swede at a game of cards. However, the over reaction by Swede demonstrates a man out of control springing upon Johnny and beating him with his fists, ““Yes, fight,” roared the Swede. He was like a mad devil. “Yes, fight! I’ll show you what kind of a man I am! I’ll show you who you want to fight! Maybe you think I can’t fight! Maybe you think I can’t! I’ll show you, you criminal! Yes, you cheated! You cheated! You cheated,”” (Crane 37). The caged victim retaliates. Swede, drunk and angry, immediately responds to this sleight of hand with violence. To some men this might seem extreme. This was a simple card game where there was no money to be lost or gained, the only prize to be claimed was bragging rights. However, to Swede, Johnnie’s cheating is a grave matter where his honor and integrity is at stake. But it should be noted that Swede never explains what he’s seen or presents any evidence of his accusation, he is already too angry to control himself. It’s as if Swede is always on the offense, ready to fight at the drop of a hat. Perhaps this feeds into his victimology, real or imagined, which leads to the feeling that he must always be ready to defend himself less his integrity be questioned. Victimized by society in “The Blue Hotel”, Swede battles the snowstorm and is drawn by a red beacon. The red on the snow signifies the blood that Swede is so inextricably drawn to in the saloon. Swede leaves the Blue Hotel in ruin and disgrace. In a rage he can barely control, Swede is looking for a fight. In a fearful fury he challenges a known gambler, ““I asked you to drink with me.” The gambler simply turned his head and spoke over his shoulder. “My friend, I don’t know you.” “Never mind!” answered the Swede. “Come and have a drink.” “Now, my boy,” advised the gambler kindly, “take your