There are only a handful of characters in Bobbie Ann Mason's Shiloh. It tells the story of a husband (Leroy) and wife (Norma Jean) and their troubled marriage. Mason's story is told through Leroy's eyes. This first-person narrative and limited point of view masks 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 the dysfunctionality of Norma Jean and Leroy. First, the story Leroy tells reveals how little Norma Jean understands. At this point he is lost in life. The accident that took away his livelihood also disrupted Norma Jean's comfortable existence. After traveling for fifteen years he enjoys being at home with Norma but “…cannot say how she feels about him” (805). Leroy “…thinks she seems a little disappointed that…” always finding him at home (805). He slowly begins to notice small details about Norma Jean. These revelations added together lead Leroy, and the reader, to understand that Norma Jean is preparing to leave the marriage. Next, by examining the symbols that Mason uses in this tale, the battle that takes place within this marriage is revealed. Starting with the dusty ruffle that Mabel, Norma Jean's mother, makes for her. This dust ruffle represents the hidden feelings and emotions that Norma Jean and Leroy hide from each other. One example is the grief they feel over the death of their infant son, Randy. Even when Mabel talks about the death of another child, they only discuss Mabel's intentions, but say nothing about the pain of losing their child. Norma Jean tells Leroy that his mother, “…said this about the child only because……… middle of paper…… feminine activities, like sewing. He even thinks of his equipment as “…a piece of furniture gathering dust in the back yard” (810). Leroy is no longer the head of the family; Norma Jean took on this role. He exercises and attends evening classes. In the story he flexes his muscles, which is something a man would typically do. This switching of 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 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.