Introduction: “Shiloh” by Bobbie Ann Mason
“Shiloh” by Bobbie Ann Mason was first published in The New Yorker magazine in 1980 and then included in her award-winning 1982 short story collection, Shiloh and Other Stories. The story masterfully portrays a strained marriage between Norma Jean and Leroy, a working-class couple in rural Kentucky. Mason’s prose is known for its sharp realism, capturing the nuances of everyday life, the weight of unspoken desires, and the longing for connection. “Shiloh” delves into themes of loss, the search for meaning, and the complexities of long-term relationships with a poignant and understated style.
Main Events: “Shiloh” by Bobbie Ann Mason
- Norma Jean’s Transformation: Norma Jean seeks self-improvement through weight-lifting, body-building classes, and eventually adult education courses.
- Leroy’s Return: After a trucking accident, Leroy is forced to remain home, disrupting the established dynamic of their marriage.
- Leroy’s Projects: Leroy occupies his time with crafts and dreams of building Norma Jean a log cabin, hoping to win back her affection.
- A Lost Connection: Despite their physical closeness, Leroy and Norma Jean struggle to connect on an emotional level.
- Mabel’s Interference: Mabel, Norma Jean’s mother, interjects opinions and frequently brings up Shiloh, a Civil War battlefield, hoping the couple would visit.
- Marital Dissatisfaction: Norma Jean grows restless and dissatisfied with her marriage, feeling suffocated and unseen by Leroy.
- Confiding in Mabel: Frustrated, Leroy confides in Mabel, seeking her perspective on his failing relationship with Norma Jean.
- The Shiloh Proposal: Mabel, seeing an opportunity, suggests they all take a trip to Shiloh to change their dynamic.
- Trip to Shiloh: Leroy and Norma Jean visit Shiloh, but the place does little to bridge the emotional gap between them.
- The Breaking Point: At Shiloh, Norma Jean reveals her desire to leave Leroy, marking the culmination of their long-simmering marital crisis.
Literary Devices/Narrative Devices: “Shiloh” by Bobbie Ann Mason
| Literary/Narrative Device | Definition | Example from “Shiloh” |
| Symbolism | Objects, places, or ideas representing something broader. | The log cabin Leroy wants to build symbolizes his desire to create a perfect home and restart their marriage. |
| Imagery | Vivid, descriptive language appealing to the senses. | “Norma Jean’s mother, Mabel Beasley… has tight, brown-dyed curls that look more like a wig than the actual wig she sometimes wears.” |
| Foreshadowing | Hinting at events to come, creating suspense or unease. | The story about the neglected baby killed by a dachshund ominously foreshadows the long-dead Randy and the troubled nature of Leroy and Norma Jean’s relationship. |
| Motif | A recurring element that reinforces a theme or idea. | The motif of Shiloh, the battlefield repeatedly mentioned by Mabel, underscores the theme of personal battles within their marriage. |
| Irony | A contradiction between expectation and reality. | Leroy expects building a log cabin will please Norma Jean, but it actually highlights their incompatibility. |
| Characterization | Revealing the personality of a character through actions, dialogue, etc. | Norma Jean’s body-building and later taking night classes are indirect characterizations that reveal her yearning for change and growth. |
| Juxtaposition | Placing contrasting things side by side for emphasis. | The juxtaposition of Leroy’s lingering physical disability with Norma Jean’s increasing strength underscores their shifting dynamics. |
| Metaphor | A comparison between two things without using ‘like’ or ‘as’. | Leroy describing the accident-damaged rig as “a gigantic bird that has flown home to roost” emphasizes its immobility and his own stalled life. |
| Dialogue | Conversation between characters, revealing personalities and relationships. | Norma Jean’s curt responses to Leroy’s attempts at conversation highlight her emotional distance and the breakdown of their communication. |
| Setting | The time, place, and social context of a story, contributing to mood and theme. | The modern subdivisions and consumer culture of the town contrast Leroy’s yearning for a simpler past symbolized by the log cabin. |
| Allusion | A reference to history, literature, or pop culture. | The story alludes to ‘crib death’ (SIDS) when recounting the loss of Randy, reflecting the changing scientific knowledge of the era. |
| Flashback | A scene set in the past, interrupting the current narrative. | The flashback to the night their baby died highlights a past tragedy that still lingers within their marriage. |
| Point of View | The perspective from which the story is told. | The limited third-person POV centers on Leroy, emphasizing his confusion and inability to fully understand Norma Jean’s dissatisfaction. |
| Epiphany | A sudden moment of realization or insight. | At the Shiloh battlefield, Leroy has an epiphany that his and Norma Jean’s attempts to rebuild their marriage are futile. |
| Repetition | Repeating words or phrases for emphasis. | Mabel’s repeated insistence on visiting Shiloh reinforces the pressure on the couple and her role as a catalyst. |
| Understatement | Downplaying the significance of something, often for ironic or humorous effect. | When told about their baby’s death, Leroy remembers, “It just happens sometimes,” highlighting how inadequately language can capture grief. |
| Tone | The author’s attitude towards the subject, conveyed through word choice and style. | The tone is primarily subdued and melancholic, reflecting the characters’ suppressed emotions and their quiet, unfolding tragedy. |
| Mood | The emotional atmosphere the author creates for the reader. | The mood is primarily one of quiet desperation and loneliness, felt most keenly through Leroy’s perspective. |
| Ambiguity | Deliberate openness to multiple interpretations. | The ending, while implying Norma Jean leaving, does not explicitly state it, creating ambiguity and inviting the reader to ponder the future of their marriage. |
| Stream of Consciousness | A narrative style mimicking the flow of a character’s thoughts. | Moments like Leroy’s contemplation of history at Shiloh reflect a stream-of-consciousness style, with ideas connecting less linearly and more intuitively. |
Characterization: “Shiloh” by Bobbie Ann Mason
Major Characters
- Norma Jean:
- Discontented: Unhappy with her life and marriage, she longs for change and a sense of purpose. “I feel eighteen again. I can’t face that all over again.”
- Determined: Seeks self-improvement through weight-lifting, body-building classes, and eventually adult education. “She is still pretty. Her skin is flawless. Her frosted curls resemble pencil trimmings.”
- Evolving: Her changing interests and pursuits hint at her deep desire for independence and growth outside the confines of her marriage.
- Emotionally Distant: Avoids deep conversations with Leroy and becomes curt in her responses, signaling a growing detachment from the marriage.
- Leroy:
- Well-meaning but Clueless: Desires to rekindle love with Norma Jean but misreads her needs completely, symbolized by the unwanted log cabin project. “I’ll sell my rig and build us a house.”
- Lost: The accident, his forced retirement, and Norma Jean’s changes leave him disoriented, unsure of his place in the world or their relationship. “He has the feeling that they are waking up out of a dream together… “
- Passive: Relies on hobbies and attempts to please Norma Jean instead of directly confronting the issues in their marriage.
- Kind: Despite his flaws, he shows genuine affection and care for Norma Jean.
Minor Characters
- Mabel Beasley:
- Nosy and Controlling: Interferes in Leroy and Norma Jean’s life, criticizing their choices and constantly bringing up the Shiloh trip. “You better watch out what you’re saying, Mabel,” says Leroy.
- Obsessive: Fixated on her honeymoon in Shiloh and pushes her idealized past experiences onto the couple. “One of these days, Mama,” Norma Jean says impatiently.
- Agent of Change: Ironically, her constant meddling unintentionally creates the impetus for the couple to finally confront their issues during the Shiloh trip.
- Stevie Hamilton:
- Shady: Represents a seedier side of town and the illicit world of drugs.
- Foil: Serves as a contrast to Leroy, highlighting his displacement as the town and its culture shift around him. “Stevie’s father was two years ahead of Leroy in high school”
Writing Style: “Shiloh” by Bobbie Ann Mason
| Feature | Description |
| Minimalist Realism | Mason’s style is characterized by precision and brevity, focusing on the ordinary details of everyday life. |
| Simple, declarative sentences | Example: “Norma Jean is working on her pectorals.” |
| Unadorned language | Example: “They have always rented, and the house they live in is small and nondescript.” |
| Emphasis on Dialogue | Much of the story and characterization are conveyed through conversations, creating a sense of realism. |
| Colloquial speech | Example: “‘That’s for me to know and you to find out,’ Stevie says.” |
| Reveals unspoken tensions | Norma Jean’s short, clipped responses to Leroy underscore their emotional distance. |
| Subtle Symbolism | Objects and settings are used to represent broader themes and emotions. |
| The unbuilt log cabin | Represents Leroy’s misguided hopes for rebuilding their marriage. |
| Shiloh Battlefield | Evokes the idea of internal battles alongside historical ones. |
| Southern Colloquialisms | Adds regional flavor and authenticity to the characters’ voices. |
| “Great day in the morning!” | A classic exclamation from Mabel. |
| Regional food references | References to casseroles, Rexall drugstore, etc., locate the story within a specific Southern context. |
| Working-Class Focus | Mason portrays the lives of ordinary working-class people with honesty and empathy. |
| References to blue-collar jobs | Examples include Leroy’s trucking and Norma Jean’s drugstore work. |
| Emphasis on material concerns | Examples include the new subdivisions and the damaged rig. |
| Understated Tone | The emotional impact is built through subtle details and a quiet narrative voice, rather than overt melodrama. |
| Leroy’s internal monologues | Reveal his confusion and longing more powerfully than dramatic outbursts would. |
| Description of Norma Jean’s emotional state | Often conveyed through her actions (bodybuilding, smoking) rather than explicit explanations. |
Main Themes: “Shiloh” by Bobbie Ann Mason
- The Breakdown of Communication and Connection: Leroy and Norma Jean, despite living together, are deeply disconnected. The story highlights lack of meaningful conversation, avoidance of emotional vulnerability, and misinterpretation of each other’s desires. This is exemplified when Leroy says, “I’ll sell my rig and build us a house,” a gesture he believes shows love, yet one that further reveals his inability to understand Norma Jean’s true needs.
- The Desire for Change and the Inability to Cope with It: Norma Jean yearns for growth and independence, symbolized by her changing hobbies and pursuits. She declares, “I feel eighteen again. I can’t face that all over again,” showing her resistance to going back to an unsatisfying past. However, while both characters are impacted by change (Leroy’s accident, Norma Jean’s evolving desires), they lack the skills to openly address these shifts, contributing to their increasing dissatisfaction.
- The Weight of Unresolved Grief: The lingering tragedy of their child’s death haunts the couple. Leroy’s memory of the day is brief and emotionally distant: “It just happens sometimes.” This lack of shared processing and the silence around their child suggest a wound neither has fully confronted. It underscores how past losses color their marriage and make it difficult for them to reconnect in the present.
- The Illusion of Starting Over: Leroy’s desire to build the log cabin symbolizes a misguided belief in returning to a simpler, idealized past. The setting of new subdivisions contrasts this desire, highlighting the relentless march of time and the impossibility of truly returning to old ways. The trip to Shiloh, instead of being a romantic rekindling, forces them to confront the futility of simply trying to recreate the conditions of the past.
Literary Theories and Interpretations of “Shiloh” by Bobbie Ann Mason
| Literary Theory | Interpretation | References from the Story |
| Feminist Criticism | Examines the story through the lens of gender roles and power dynamics. | * Norma Jean’s desire for change and independence can be seen as a rebellion against traditional domestic roles. (“I feel eighteen again. I can’t face that all over again.”)* * The story can be viewed as an exploration of the limitations and frustrations women faced within the context of traditional working-class marriages. |
| Psychoanalytic Criticism | Explores the unconscious motivations and hidden desires of the characters. | * Leroy’s obsession with building the log cabin might be interpreted as a subconscious attempt to regain control in his life after his accident and a way to hold on to a nostalgic past. * * Norma Jean’s emotional distance and evolving aspirations could be related to her unresolved grief over her lost child and a suppressed yearning for more than her current life offers. |
| Reader-Response Criticism | Focuses on the reader’s unique interpretation and emotional response to the text. | * The understated emotional tone and ambiguous ending invite readers to fill in the gaps, forming their own conclusions about the future of Leroy and Norma Jean’s relationship. * * Readers may bring their own experiences of loss, marital struggles, or unfulfilled desires to the story, influencing their interpretation. |
| Marxist Criticism | Analyzes power structures and economic inequality through a class-based lens. | * The story subtly critiques the lure of consumerism and material aspirations, reflected in the new subdivisions and the unattainable ideal of the perfect home. * * References to Leroy’s former life as a truck driver and the changing economy implicitly touch on class anxieties and the precariousness of the working-class lifestyle. |
| New Historicism | Examines the text as a product of its specific historical and social context. | * The story can be seen as a reflection of the societal shifts occurring in the 1980s, particularly regarding changing gender roles and the decline of traditional blue-collar industries. * * The focus on small-town Southern life can be analyzed in relation to ideas of regionalism and the cultural landscape of the period. |
Topics, Questions and Thesis Statements about “Shiloh” by Bobbie Ann Mason
Topic 1: Unresolved Grief
- Question: How does the unspoken grief over the loss of their child create a lingering distance between Norma Jean and Leroy?
- Thesis Statement: Mason’s subtle portrayal of grief in “Shiloh” reveals how Leroy and Norma Jean’s inability to process the death of their child inhibits their emotional intimacy, leading to the erosion of their marriage.
Topic 2: The Myth of the Perfect Home
- Question: How does the log cabin symbolize Leroy’s desire for something unattainable, and why is this dream at odds with Norma Jean’s aspirations?
- Thesis Statement: In “Shiloh,” the unbuilt log cabin represents Leroy’s misguided longing for a simpler past and a domestic ideal; this clashes with Norma Jean’s evolving desires, exposing the incompatibility at the heart of their relationship.
Topic 3: Gender Roles & Expectations
- Question: To what extent does Norma Jean’s dissatisfaction with their marriage reflect changing societal expectations for women in the post-1970s era?
- Thesis Statement: Norma Jean’s evolution in “Shiloh” embodies the shifting expectations for women in post-1970s America; her search for fulfillment outside traditional domestic roles underscores the limitations of working-class married life in this era.
Topic 4: The Power of Symbolism
- Question: How does Mason utilize symbolism to convey unspoken emotions and broader themes within the narrative?
- Thesis Statement: Bobbie Ann Mason’s careful use of symbolism, ranging from the log cabin to the setting of Shiloh, adds layers of meaning to “Shiloh” and subtly reveals the characters’ internal conflicts and the breakdown of their relationship.
Short Questions/Answers: “Shiloh” by Bobbie Ann Mason
| Question | Answer |
| How does Mabel act as a catalyst for change in Norma Jean and Leroy’s relationship? | Mabel’s constant meddling and her obsession with Shiloh highlight the stagnancy of their marriage. This pressure, however unintentionally, pushes both Leroy and Norma Jean towards self-examination. For Leroy, it leads to the misguided log cabin project, while for Norma Jean, it becomes a final breaking point, forcing her to voice her desire for change. |
| Why is the ending of “Shiloh” intentionally ambiguous? | The ambiguity allows room for individual interpretation and encourages readers to deeply consider the potential futures of the characters. It may hint at separation, but could just as easily signify the beginning of a new chapter in their relationship – one based on honesty instead of misaligned dreams. The ambiguity reflects the messiness and uncertain nature of real-life relationships. |
| In what way is the story’s working-class setting essential to its themes? | The working-class environment highlights the challenges and constraints faced by the characters. Their limited financial means, the changing economic landscape, and the focus on material aspirations underscore Leroy’s inability to provide a “dream life” for Norma Jean. The setting reinforces the idea that their struggles transcend individual flaws and are partly shaped by societal forces. |
| How does Mason’s writing style contribute to the emotional impact of the story? | Mason’s minimalist style forces the reader to focus on the subtle details and emotional undercurrents. The emphasis on dialogue and understated descriptions creates a powerful sense of unspoken tension. This requires the reader to actively participate in the meaning-making process, amplifying the emotional impact and resonating long after the story ends. |
Literary Works Similar to “Shiloh” by Bobbie Ann Mason
- “A Good Man is Hard to Find” by Flannery O’Connor: This short story, akin to “Shiloh,” delves into Southern life and morality. O’Connor’s narrative style, infused with dark humor and vivid characterizations, explores themes of family dynamics and unexpected turns of fate.
- “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” by Joyce Carol Oates: Oates’ story intricately examines teenage rebellion and the dangers of youthful naivety. Like “Shiloh,” it portrays ordinary life disrupted by unforeseen events, inviting readers to contemplate the complexities of human relationships.
- “A Rose for Emily” by William Faulkner: Faulkner’s classic tale offers a haunting exploration of the old South’s decline through the enigmatic life of Emily Grierson. With echoes of “Shiloh,” this story employs subtle symbolism and rich character development to illuminate themes of tradition, change, and isolation.
- “In the Cemetery Where Al Jolson is Buried” by Amy Hempel: This short story navigates the intricacies of friendship with emotional depth and brevity, mirroring the nuanced exploration of relationships found in “Shiloh.” Hempel’s spare prose captures the poignancy of human connection amidst life’s uncertainties.
- “Jubilee” by Margaret Walker: Set during the Civil War and Reconstruction era, this historical novel vividly portrays Southern life, resonating with the themes of loss, resilience, and societal transformation found in “Shiloh.” Walker’s vibrant storytelling and compelling characters offer readers a captivating journey through a pivotal period in American history.
Suggested Readings: “Shiloh” by Bobbie Ann Mason
Articles
- Donaldson, Susan V. “Making a Spectacle: Welty, Faulkner, and Southern Gothic.” Mississippi Quarterly, vol. 50, no. 4, 1997, pp. 567–583. JSTOR, [invalid URL removed]. (Explores Southern Gothic themes, which can be connected to Mason’s work)
- Bentley, Greg W. “The Return to Shiloh: Family and Fantasy in Bobbie Ann Mason’s “Shiloh”.” Journal of the Short Story in English. Les Cahiers de la nouvelle 39 (2002): 81-89. (In-depth analysis of a symbolic element within “Shiloh”)
Websites
- The Bobbie Ann Mason Website: https://www.bobbieannmason.net/ (Offers biographical information, a bibliography, and links to other relevant resources)
- Short Stories and Classic Literature: https://www.classicshorts.com/ (Provides a full-text version of “Shiloh” along with potential discussion questions)
Representative Quotes from “Shiloh” by Bobbie Ann Mason
- “Norma Jean is working on her pectorals. She lifts three-pound dumbbells to warm up, then progresses to a twenty-pound barbell.”
- Significance: This opening line sets the tone with a focus on physical transformation and Norma Jean’s desire for change within herself and her life.
- “They are lucky they are still married. Leroy has read that for most people losing a child destroys the marriage—or else he heard this on Donahue.”
- Significance: Reveals a suppressed pain and Leroy’s awareness of the potential fragility of their bond, hinting at the unresolved grief that lingers between them.
- “Mabel straightens her girdle and says, ‘I still think before you get tied down y’all ought to take a little run to Shiloh.’”
- Significance: Highlights Mabel’s intrusive nature, her obsession with the past, and how she unknowingly acts as a catalyst for change in their relationship.
- “I’ll sell my rig and build us a house.”
- Significance: Shows Leroy’s genuine desire to fix their marriage but also his fundamental misunderstanding of Norma Jean’s needs and the misguided nature of his efforts.
- “I feel eighteen again. I can’t face that all over again.”
- Significance: Norma Jean’s raw declaration marks a turning point. It underscores her dissatisfaction and a powerful desire to break away from the familiar life that feels stifling.