In Shiloh by Bobbie Ann Mason, there are only a handful of characters. It tells the story of a husband (Leroy) and a wife (Norma Jean) and their difficult marriage. Mason's story is told through Leroy's eyes. This first-person narrative and limited point of view obscures Norma Jean's need and thoughts of independence. Additionally, the story uses the symbols of a log cabin, a dust ruffle, and the title Shiloh to reinforce Norma Jean and Leroy's dysfunction. First, the story Leroy tells reveals how little he understands Norma Jean. He is lost in life at this point. The accident that took away her livelihood also disrupted Norma Jean's comfortable existence. After traveling for fifteen years, he enjoys being at home with Norma but “…he cannot tell how she feels about him” (805). Leroy “… thinks she seems a little disappointed to…” find him at home all the time (805). He slowly begins to notice small details about Norma Jean. These added revelations lead Leroy and the reader to understand that Norma Jean is preparing to leave the marriage. Then, by examining the symbols Mason uses in this short story, the battle taking place within this marriage is revealed. Starting with the steering wheel that Mabel, Norma Jean's mother, made for her. This dust ruffle represents the hidden feelings and emotions that Norma Jean and Leroy are hiding from each other. One example is the grief they feel over the death of their grandson, Randy. Even when Mabel brings up the death of another child, they only discuss Mabel's intentions, but say nothing about the grief of losing their baby. Norma Jean tells Leroy that her mother, “...just said that about the baby because......... middle of paper...... feminine activities, like sewing. He even considers his device as “… a piece of furniture that collects dust in the garden” (810). Leroy is no longer the breadwinner; Norma Jean took over this role. She exercises and takes evening classes. In the story, she flexes her muscles, which is typically something a man would do. This swap in gender roles plays a role in Norma's dissatisfaction with Leroy. She tells him to go to work so she can have some respect for him again. In conclusion, the author of Shiloh incorporates the symbols of a log cabin, the title of the short story, and a dust ruffle to show that Leroy and Norma Jean are going in very different directions. Mason also tells the story through Leroy's limited understanding of his wife and their situation. This marriage is headed for a battle from the beginning of the story..