Ernt’s Barricade Symbol Analysis

Ernt’s barricade symbolizes the extreme disconnect he feels with society. Ernt initially moves his family to Alaska to escape what he sees as the moral decline of the United States. He sees Kaneq, Alaska as a safe haven from the violence and corruption present in the rest of America. However, before long, Ernt alienates himself from members of the Kaneq community as well. In particular, he hates Tom Walker because of his wealth and his attempts to modernize Kaneq. Ernt sees Kaneq as the last bastion of a dying way of life and he thinks Tom is trying to take that away from him. Because of his hatred for Tom, Ernt divides the entire Kaneq community. However, once Mad Earl dies, Ernt is left alone; the Harlans will no longer tolerate him, and he’s already alienated everyone else. It is at this point when Ernt begins building his barricade. The barricade blocks anyone from entering his property without his permission. He wears the key to the gate around his neck and does not let Cora and Leni use it. In effect, Ernt becomes the totalitarian dictator of his 40 acres of land; he rules over the property with Cora and Leni as his subjects. However, Ernt’s perceived strength is also his weakness. Ernt believes his barricade will keep him safe, but he is killed by Cora while he is abusing Leni. Ultimately, his barricade is useless; it is a symbol of a desperate man attempting to safeguard what little semblance of normal life he thinks he has left, not realizing that it is already gone.