In "Shiloh" by Bobbie Ann Mason, Norma Jean represents the typical American wife who stays at home while her husband Leroy Moffit works a full time job as a truck driver. Leroy Moffit's profession didn't allow him to spend much time with his wife Norma Jean to which he was married for many years. Now Leroy's and Norma's relationship and marriage seems to be breaking apart since both noted that they were living married as two complete strangers. In the story, Bobbie Ann Mason illustrates with Norma Jean that relationships can fail and change, and unfortunately Leroy and Norma Jean weren't able to keep up with their own changes in life.
             After Leroy suffered the highway accident in which his left leg was badly injured, he returned home to his wife Norma Jean which started the downfall of the relationship. After returning home Leroy was conspicuous of the love Norma Jean had for him. "Since he has been home, he has felt unusually tender about his wife and guilty over his long absences. But he can't tell what she feels about him" Furthermore Leroy feels optimistic that Norma Jean still has some love for him and plans to build her the home he promised her when they married.
             Leroy wanted to build a log cabin for him and Norma Jean. Building a cabin was cheaper and simple compared to the new modern homes that were in the new divisions of the town. He wanted his relationship with Norma to be simple and for them to get to know each other better and not see themselves as complete married strangers. But what Leroy believed his wife Norma wanted, she never wanted at all. "Ever since they were married, he has promised Norma Jean he would build her a new home one day. They have always rented, and the house they live in is small and nondescript. It does not feel like home, Leroy realizes now." Leroy didn't realize that his relationship was growing wider apart, and that Norma's str...