Bobbie Ann Mason Analysis

Of all elements that any story is composed of (characters, setting, plot, etc.), there is no true way to determine which is more important to the development of the story; without characters, there is no one for the plot to occur to, no one to occupy the setting. Without plot, there is nothing for the characters to do, the story is merely stagnant. but with no setting, there is no place for the characters to exist, for the plot to occur to-there is no available catalyst in which the story may take place in. Not only that, but the setting also fulfills a stylistic purpose-in many cases, the setting of a story gives insight to the reader into other aspects of a story, such as a character 's mindset, a certain instance of foreshadowing, or even to hint to a reader of nuances within the characters or the plot of the story. The setting, in short, is not only a necessary part of the makeup of a story, but is also something that is used to enhance the reader 's enjoyment of the story. The various settings and their significance shown in Bobbie Ann Mason 's Shiloh directly correlates to the tone of Leroy and Norma Jean 's relationship and personal developments throughout the course of the story. To Leroy Moffitt, his hometown is a source of many fond memories, especially those of …show more content…
Bobbie Ann Mason, in her 1982 work Shiloh, was carefully aware of her use of setting and the way it contributed to the character 's respective and collaborative developments throughout the story. The tone and meaning shown throughout the story in regards to the current setting directly correlates to the characters of Leroy and Norma Jean and the status of their interpersonal relationship, on whether or not it was healthy or unhealthy, improving or stagnant, or even necessary or not to their own