Human Nature

Human Nature

After reading Bobby Anne Mason’s short story, “Shiloh”, I discovered her overall purpose for writing it. This essay discusses the overall purpose she used to write “Shiloh”, as well as what incites into human nature that she offers us through her characters. This essay will use specific examples from the story to convey Mason’s point.

The character Leroy, was a victim of a highway accident, and is drastically changing his life style because of it. He made many promises to his wife Norma Jean when they got married at the age of 18. He couldn’t pursue these promises because of the long hours he had as a truck driver. Since he would be home a lot more after the accident, he wants to build a cabin for Norma Jean, something that he promised her since the day they got married. Norma Jean doesn’t want the house she has always dreamed about or even want Leroy’s company. Even though the couple has been married several years Leroy is aware of the several differences they have. Norma Jean has a lot of knowledge about cosmetics, and Leroy thinks fondly of the other petroleum products-axel grease and diesel fluid when she talks about her cosmetics. He thinks his being home a lot more, would allow for new marriage, or fresh start. However Norma Jean doesn’t share the same feeling about the homecoming. She never complained about his traveling and long absences but also is not celebrating his permanent homecoming very happily. Sometimes when she comes home, she is startled to see her husband, and sometimes looks disappointed. Leroy’s newly occurring presence has allowed Norma Jean to realize that she doesn’t love her husband like she used to. As for Leroy he can now appreciate what his wife does, and even joyously sits down and listens to his wife play the accordion that he bought for her birthday a few years back. Leroy begins to notice changes in other aspects of the couple’s relationship.

Before the accident, when Leroy came home, they used to stay home watching television and playing cards. She would always cook and clean up the mess from dinner. Now, she is never home, leaving a cooling place in the bed. But when she is there Leroy still sees things about his wife that he never realized before. The things tat were familiar to Leroy are gone but now is recognizing habits of his wife that he never had the chance to admire.