Short Story Shiloh Theme

In the short story Shiloh, is a fictional story based in the South during the 20 century, which takes place in Kentucky. This story depicts a marriage on the rocks and the reverse roles of couples when they are pragmatically forced to re-engage in their marriage which traditionally stems from them seeing each other on a daily bases. When they where all use to living separate lives. The main characters portrayed in short story Shiloh are Leroy, Norma Jean.

Leroy is a truck driver who has been injured on the job prior 4 months. In the story Leroy is currently injured due to the occurrence of highway incident, which had injured his leg. However, despite the accident Leroy is awaiting physical therapy he is almost fully healed and recovered.

To describe and illustrate the main character reaches a turning point in their lives where they transition from one mental standpoint to another.

This is shown and interpreted and identified in the story when Leroy and his wife Norma become bereaved when they struggle to cope with the loss their child, death. Although the loss of their child Randy has affected them and was perhaps a major loss and a defining- moment and turning point in their lives and in their marriage. According to the text, when Norma proposes. “You have to find a job first. Nobody can afford to build now anyways.”(Mason 1005)…. After Mabel leaves Norma Jean reads to Leroy from a list she has made. “ Things you could do,” she announces. “You could get a job as a guard at Union Carbide, where they’d let you set on a stool. You could get on at a lumberyard. You could do a little carpenter work. “ I can’t do something where I have to stand up all day. “

(Mason 1006). Leroy is fulfilling the needlepoint and vision of building a log cabin, which for Norma and him to live in Norma is displeased and dissatisfied with Leroy, and she feels as though he can get a better Job then to be worry about building a log

Emotions take a big toll on the way a person handles an issue and people do not necessarily compartmentalize in order to make the right decision with ease. Norma Jean and Leroy are the antagonist and protagonist; are at war with each other. Situational turning -point occurs when Leroy arrives home and continues to stay home after being involved in a truck accident at work. Norma Jean is not used to her husband being home often and she would rather have him on the road again. Leroy is excited to settle down with his wife but she wants him gone again. As she was more comfortable and use to staying at home alone and now that he is back Norma feels as though her freedom is