Symbolism In Shiloh

With an open-minded and ambiguous ending, “Shiloh” written by Bobbie Ann Mason focuses on the everyday lives of an unemployed truck driver, Leroy and his wife, Norma Jean as they battle through personal challenges and respond to change in unexpected ways. Introducing several literary techniques, Mason guides the readers through the simple story using exposition, dialogue and even symbolism.
Set in the late 1970’s of Western Kentucky, Mason almost directly opens “Shiloh” using an exposition, thoroughly describing the main protagonist, Leroy Moffitt, whose point of view the short-story is told from. “He is not sure what to do next. In the meantime, he makes things from craft kits. He started by building a miniature log cabin from notched Popsicle sticks.” (356) The readers learn that Leroy Moffitt has been home for three months recovering from an accident he suffered during his job, however it had rendered him disabled and therefore, could not return to his job. As the quote suggests, Leroy adopted interesting skills to pass the time at home such as crafting and even sewing. Mason reveals that the reason Leroy wanted to build a log cabin was because he had promised his wife ever since they were married that he would build her a new home. Although it appeared to be a sweet gesture, it was the first indication that Leroy was living in the past, unlike his wife. “Norma Jean works at a the Rexall drugstore, and she had acquired an amazing amount of information about cosmetics,”