What's Next?

The ending of Bobbie Ann Mason’s "Shiloh" is filled with ambiguity. Norma Jean had just told her husband, Leroy, that she doesn’t want to be with him. She then walks toward a bluff by the river. The reader is left with a comparison of the sky to the dust ruffle Mabel had made for them, and the story is over. We are then free to make assumptions or ask questions about what happens next. We can assume that Norma Jean and Leroy go their separate ways or we can ask some questions. Is there hope for them to stay together as a couple? Where is Norma Jean going? How will they interact after this? Will Leroy try to convince her to stay with him? Will Norma Jean say anything else to Leroy? Will she ask him for a ride home? Does Norma Jean intend to go home?

In my opinion, their marriage is not necessarily over. Although they lack the communication necessary for a marriage to function properly, I don’t think it’s too late for them to start talking. Perhaps this is just my nature to root for the seemingly hopeless, but looking at the end of the story—their time in Shiloh, that is—there are glimpses of hope through a couple of successful shared moments. After being in Shiloh for only a short period of time, Norma Jean sarcastically says, “Well we’ve seen it. I hope she’s satisfied.” Referring to her mother’s desperate desire for Norma Jean and Leroy to visit Shiloh, Norma Jean spurs Leroy and herself to “burst out laughing together.” Although this may seem simple, laughter and humor are two vital elements that have been missing from this marriage.

The following conversation between them is noticeably less humorous. Norma Jean voices her desire to leave Leroy. Looking closely at Norma Jean’s exact words, I noticed that she said she didn’t “want” to leave Leroy. Author Joyce Carol Oates could have completely rid the scene of any ambiguity by having Norma Jean say, “I’m going to leave you,” with no uncertainty present. This conversation is the first long dialogue between the couple throughout the story. And although it is not pleasant, the conversation is honest. It gives each a chance to voice an opinion. After this conversation, Leroy contemplates his next move—an assurance to the reader that he still has hope. During these thoughts, however, Norma Jean is “far away, walking rapidly toward the bluff by the river.”

So, while Norma Jean left to her own devices may never want to go home, Leroy’s voice is still audible in her ears, and I believe that the next chapter in their lives does not necessarily have to mean separation. After reading the story for the first time, the title appeared to be significant because it established the end of the central couple’s relationship. However, I believe that it could signify the end of one chapter in the couple’s lives, and the beginning of a new one—with more honest communication. I’m not saying that things will suddenly be perfect because of their brief shared laughter and a glimpse at an honest exchange. I do wonder, though, if Mabel sent them to Shiloh because she saw their marriage dissembling and hoped it would help them. Shiloh is undeniably a turning point in the story—whether it is for better or for worse, we shall never know.

And perhaps what happens next doesn't matter. But, then again, maybe it does. (582)