Shiloh by Bobbie Ann Mason Essay -- Shiloh Bobbie Ann Mason Essays

Shiloh by Bobbie Ann MasonCharacter SketchIn Bobbie Ann Masons story Shiloh she presents the character of Norma Jeanas having a strong personality but an conceitedness deep within. Norma Jean is presented asa strong character on the outside in the opening of the story. She lifts three-pounddumbbells to warm-up, the progresses to a twenty-pound barbell.(Mason p. 46). However as the story progresses she exhibits the emptiness which she feels. One dayLeroy arrives position from a drive and finds Norma Jean in tears. (Mason p. 50). NormaJean feels an emptiness toward her deceased child, her husband, and also her mother. Her emptiness toward her husband may be seen in the way she interacts with him. Shefeels rattling uncomfortable when she is around him. Norma Jean is always trying to findsomething for him to do. When he arrived back home Mason states the she seems alittle disappointed. (Mason p. 47). The emptiness she feels toward her mother ispresented in the feelings she has toward her. Her deceased son symbolizes her emptinessbecause of his death. In the beginning of the story Norma Jean tries to conceal the emptiness that shehas felt for so many years. Mason first presents her as a strong character by explaininghow she works out and would like to become stronger. She may become strongerphysically, but nothing can overcome the emptiness which she feels. Norma Jean tries tohelp her husband get a job, and she gives him a variety...