What Is 'Symbolism In Shiloh' By Bobbie Ann Mason

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Quang H. “Neon” Le
ENGL 110
Prof. Gangel
Essay.
Have To Go My Own Way Bobbie Ann Mason is an American short-story writer and novelist known for her evocation of rural Kentucky Life. She has a distinctive style in writing that is known as "minimalist" -- a stripped-down, unadorned, almost consciously unliterary style (Mason, 230). She has won many awards in writing such as Finalist for Pulitzer Prize for the memoir, "Clear Springs"; Arts and Letters Award for Literature from the American Academy of Arts and Letters (Bobbie Ann Mason). In one of her short story, “Shiloh”, through the use of many metaphors and symbols, Mason was able to convey her feelings and outlook on life. We live in a world that is constantly changing, so we must adapt to survive. Those who fail to keep up with the pace of life, shall forever be left behind, in the dust.
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Norma Jean goes from a weight-lifting class to adult education composition class. She also spends time learning songs on the organ Leroy bought her for Christmas. Norma Jean wants Leroy to go out and work because she can’t stand having him home all the time. The plot revolves around Leroy’s attempt to adjust to life after the accident, while at the same time facing problems with his marriage. The story ends with Leroy and Norma Jean going to the battlefield of Shiloh, this is when Norma Jean tells Leroy that she is leaving him because she no longer loves him. Norma Jean then walks away and looks back, Leroy pursues her, and the story

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