The short story “Shiloh” by Bobbie Ann Mason offers insight into a valuable life lesson. In “Shiloh” there is a man named Leroy married to a woman named Norma Jean. Leroy was on the road for many years and had to come back home to Norma Jean because he was in a trailer accident. Norma ended up being uncomfortable around Leroy and Leroy assumed she was uncomfortable having him around because his presence reminded her of when before he went on the road and their child was still alive. Norma Jean encouraged Leroy to get a job. However, Leroy’s past lead to him being scared to try anything new. Unlike Leroy, Norma’s past led to her improving herself to have a better future. “Shiloh” by Bobbie Ann Mason uses simple characters and powerful symbols
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Leroy’s truck symbolizes not only the death of Leroy and Norma’s relationship, but also Leroy’s fear. Author Laurie Champion asserts, “Norma Jean will divorce Leroy” (95). This is made evident by the way the story concludes. Also, the battle of Shiloh is a big symbol in this story. In the battle of Shiloh, the Union was in complete control when facing off against the Confederates. Like the Union, because of Norma Jean’s self-improvements, she is in complete control of where this relationship because Leroy has almost nothing to offer. This whole time while Norma Jean has been progressing, Leroy has been declining. Another symbol was the cabin. The cabin represents Leroy’s failure to satisfy Norma. Thus, resulting in the end of their relationship.
Lastly, the way the characters develop throughout the story show the theme of the story. Norma is a round character and is the protagonist of the story. The more that Norma’s life gets worse, the more she wants to improve herself and make it better. Leroy however, is the antagonist of the story. Leroy uses his past to make up excuses for being lazy. Leroy is a burden on Norma. Furthermore, Norma is an ambitious character who understands that her bad past does not decide the fate of her future. Leroy however, seems to just be complicit with his sorry life and not decides not to do anything about
Leroy’s truck symbolizes not only the death of Leroy and Norma’s relationship, but also Leroy’s fear. Author Laurie Champion asserts, “Norma Jean will divorce Leroy” (95). This is made evident by the way the story concludes. Also, the battle of Shiloh is a big symbol in this story. In the battle of Shiloh, the Union was in complete control when facing off against the Confederates. Like the Union, because of Norma Jean’s self-improvements, she is in complete control of where this relationship because Leroy has almost nothing to offer. This whole time while Norma Jean has been progressing, Leroy has been declining. Another symbol was the cabin. The cabin represents Leroy’s failure to satisfy Norma. Thus, resulting in the end of their relationship.
Lastly, the way the characters develop throughout the story show the theme of the story. Norma is a round character and is the protagonist of the story. The more that Norma’s life gets worse, the more she wants to improve herself and make it better. Leroy however, is the antagonist of the story. Leroy uses his past to make up excuses for being lazy. Leroy is a burden on Norma. Furthermore, Norma is an ambitious character who understands that her bad past does not decide the fate of her future. Leroy however, seems to just be complicit with his sorry life and not decides not to do anything about