Analysis of Shiloh
In the story, Norma Jean, the wife, is the superior character of the household leaving Leroy, the husband, with the inferior role, usually portrayed by the wife. The usual role of the husband being superior was reversed in this story to symbolize drastic changes are being made. In the story "Shiloh", the author, Bobbie Ann Mason, uses characterization and symbolism to show that even though Norma Jean is constantly trying to change herself she can't seem to make herself fit anywhere.In "Shiloh", Mason uses feminine and masculine characteristics in many of the characters actions to represent superiority in the household. In the beginning Norma Jean is weight lifting to build muscle while Leroy sits and watches. This shows that Norma Jean is already trying to change herself. Leroy also enjoys building models and knits because he has nothing else to do with his time. The changing of roles in this case is to represent that while Leroy is injured and not up to his duties anymore Norma Jean feels that she needs to be the one to take his place as head of the household. At first, Norma Jean appears to be a strong an
The more the mother suggests the trip to Shiloh, the more the couple dreads it. The story's title is appropriate because Shiloh is where the story comes together. As the story continues, Mable finds weaknesses within Norma Jean and this causes Norma Jean to worry and further exhaust herself. Shortly following her statement she gets up and starts towards the edge, and while Leroy tries, he cannot get to her before she falls. When Leroy was out on the road she slid right into the position of being a good wife, however, when Leroy was injured and had to remain at she could no longer be that same person all the time. She offers no hint of love or attempt at change toward Leroy or her mother any more. The dust ruffle that the mother makes represents the concealment of her life or changes she has made, things that she "sticks under the bed". Mable also notices that the marriage is crumbling and in her need to do something she urges them to go to Shiloh for a second honeymoon. This shows how Norma Jean has simply accepted her marriage instead of wanting or needing it anymore. Mason also uses a third and final character in this story. d capable individual but as the story progresses she seems to be getting wearied by her own constant efforts. She changed and altered her lifestyle to fit this unexpected change, yet while this fixed some aspects it made the unimproved aspects more severe and noticeable. When Leroy realizes that the marriage is ending however, he decides that the trip might not be such a bad idea after all. Towards the end of "Shiloh" it is apparent that Norma Jean is getting tired.
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,
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